Tell Jesus

John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.
Mt.14:12

This gruesome, despairing, dark tale of the beheading of John the Baptist finishes with a brilliant, piercing flash of hope. They went off to tell Jesus.

 I recall the shock of hearing of the suicide of a son of friends in our parish. I had been his confirmation sponsor. We immediately went to their home and wept with them. After a while, someone said, "Let's pray". We went and told Jesus.

Nothing changed but everything changed. It felt as though a corner had been turned. The parents of the boy still walk with a limp, but they have faith and hope and are still walking.

Jesus, in those times when we are so overwhelmed with grief, thank you for being there. We place our trust in you.