Jeremiah 1:17-19; Psalm 71; Mark 6:17-29
In the first reading, the Lord told Jeremiah not to be afraid to confront the people with the truth of his message. They will rise against him; but surely the Lord shall be with him. Whenever we stand for the truth despite the pressure the Lord is always with us. The Gospel reading picks up this same theme when it described the beheading of St. John the Baptist. In the face of much opposition, John did not give up on his mandate to prepare a way for the Lord. Eventually, he was beheaded by Herod because he spoke against Herod’s marriage to his brother’s wife, Herodias. Therefore, we are challenged to proclaim God’s word irrespective of attacks. We must stand as soldiers of Jesus Christ and further the cause of truth and justice today.
LET US PRAY
Lord, this is hard. It needs courage and self-sacrifice. It is an uncomfortable job, but I will not run away from it. Come and act in me and not in me alone in all men. So that we may reveal not your bloody, but your glorious face on earth. St John the Baptist, pray for us.
