1ST READING
There
is a social aspect to the Gospel because there is a social element to
the nature of love. We cannot say we love God if we are ignoring the
plight of the poor or downtrodden. It is essential that the Church uses
the word “integral” to the nature of the Gospel to consider and act upon
the social problems of our day. The prophets of the Old Testament
constantly reminded the Jews of their obligations to the poor. In the
same way, the Church has a responsibility to be the voice of the poor
today.
Hebrews 13:1-8
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. 3 Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers. 5 Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you
have, for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” 6 Thus we may say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God
to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
P S A L M
Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8-9
R: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (R) 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust. (R) 5 For He will hide me in his abode in the day of trouble; He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent, he will set me high upon a rock. (R) 8 Your presence, O Lord, I seek. 9 Hide not Your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant. You are my helper: cast me not off. (R)
GOSPEL
Some
of the events of the Gospels, like this one, are truly horrible
stories. Could one commit a crime of speech against another person that
could give rise to such a horrific response as demanding the beheading
of one’s adversary? I do not think so! John’s death is totally
indefensible. Let us be sure that we never allow our response to those
who oppose us to reach such terrible depths of depravity.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart, and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Mark 6:14-29
14 King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah;” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He hasNbeen raised up.” 17 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. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 20 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. 21 Herodias 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. 22 His 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.” 23 He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her
mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 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.” 26 The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests, he did not wish to break his word to her. 27 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
think: We cannot say we love God if we are ignoring the plight of the poor or downtrodden.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ___________________________
____________________________________________
God’s special verse/thought for me today_________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Romans 13-16
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