Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time, Year II (The Beheading of St John the Baptist).
I Corinthians 1:26-31; Ps. 33: 12-13.18-19.20-21 (R: 12b); Mark 6:17-29
When prosperity preachers talk about God being a rich God, not wanting us to suffer at all, but only interested in our physical comforts, I immediately think that the god they talk about is a god of their worldly philosophies. Yes! A quick search through scriptures reveals that those who served the Lord faithfully, were martyred; one way or another. Those who weren’t killed, suffered greatly for the sake of the gospel. So what is it about martyrdom? Well, it seems to be the natural conclusion of a life of truth and virtue. God chooses what the world despises, that no flesh might boast.
John the Baptist insisted that Herod was wrong in marrying his brother Phillip’s wife. He didn’t change his message because a powerful man was involved. He lost his head for it, but gained a much greater crown. Friends, the life of a Christian witness cannot be comfortable at all. Let’s stop deceiving ourselves already. Let’s stop thinking about what will happen if we tell the truth. Just tell it. What about the corruption in our places of work, the pockets of jealousies in our family settings, the unhealthy rivalry in our Churches? Rise up and condemn what should be condemned. If many saints ended up martyred, then there must be something very rewarding about this martyrdom. Are you with me?
Good morning dear. God bless your week ahead. St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
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