LEVITICUS 25:1, 8-17; PSALM 67; MATTHEW 14:1-12
The Gospel presents us with the martyrdom of John the Baptist by Herod the Tetrarch to fulfill an imprudent promise. Herod took the life of John the Baptist; but the life of the gospel continued. And so, when Herod heard of Jesus’ fame he concluded that John the Baptist had risen. Herod was haunted by guilt and fear because of his evil deeds. Similarly, we do not enjoy peace and joy because of the evil we have done and for this reason many people are insecure and emotional when there are no provocations. Beloved, no one takes the life of another and lives a happy life. If we do not repent we shall likewise perish.
St Ignatius of Loyola, whose memorial we celebrate today, calls us to be open to God’s word through a 30-day retreat popularly called Ignatian retreat. This retreat is designed for four weeks; each week with a basic goal. Week one: to “reform the deformed”— Week two: to “conform the reformed”—Week three: to “confirm the conformed”—Week four: to “transform the confirmed”. Beloved, are you deformed spiritually, psychologically or emotionally? Are you crippled by guilt, fear and shame? Kindly seek help and meet your spiritual director. If we are open to God’s word and abide by his instructions for at least 30 days we shall experience transformation. St Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us
LET US PRAY
O God, who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola in your Church to further the greater glory of your name, grant that by his help we may imitate him in fighting the good fight on earth and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
