Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

"Herod was the one who had John the Baptist 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."-Mark 6:17-20

Like Herod, when we are presented with the Truth, and find that we are living our lives outside of it, we become uncomfortable. We are all sinners, and if we desire to change and grow closer to God, we must listen to the Truth found in Sacred Scripture, the teachings of Christ’s Church, and the writings of the Church Fathers and other saints. These are the first steps to help us cast off errant behavior, and repent. This is why it is so important for our spiritual leaders to speak the Truth to us, even if it causes us to squirm in our pews. We need to feel the discomfort of knowing our sins are separating us from the Lord. God has placed within each of us a desire for Him, buried deep within. Even Herod felt this desire and liked to listen to John’s message. My friends, speak the Lord’s Truth, so that you may help awaken in others that often-buried desire to be united with God.  

Saint John the Baptist, pray for us.

Click on the link for the Daily Reading.

Jesus, I trust in you!