Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him."

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:17-29

 

Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias's own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you." He even swore (many things) to her, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

 

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist makes the ultimate sacrifice for his faith.  John stood firm on his beliefs and because of this he lost his life.  How strong is your faith?  Are you willing to make sacrifices for Christ no matter what the cost.  When asked, most Christians say that they would be willing to give their lives for Christ.  Throughout the ages, many Christians have given their life in defense of their faith and Christianity.  The blood of the martyrs has lined the path to the kingdom of heaven.  In their sacrifice, we find the strength to defend our faith.  Through Christ’s own sacrifice and victory on the cross, we too should be willing to make the sacrifice.  But are we really ready to make the sacrifice?  When our faith is challenged, do we stand strong or do we cower?  When deciding between right and wrong, which path do you choose?  We must learn to stand strong, even when we must choose the path which will cause us to suffer.  The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage to defend ourselves.  We must learn to have faith in our commitment and to have faith in Jesus Christ.  We do not need to fear those who try to lead us astray or those who oppose the Gospel.  We need to realize that Christ’s love is stronger than fear and death itself.  Jesus Christ is our source of eternal happiness.  We are called to make Christ known to all through our words and our actions no matter what the consequences.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Jesus Christ, fill me with the Holy Spirit so I can defend your Gospel.

Give me the strength to stand strong in the face of opposition.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon