The WORD today reminds me that I should stay firm as I serve God.
Today, we commemorate the Passion of St John the Baptist. Jesus himself told his disciples that they should expect suffering just as He, their master, suffered on earth for doing God’s work. John the Baptist experienced this, and faced this head on. He did not shy away from doing God’s work, even if he knew he offended powerful people in the course of doing it. He continued to do God’s work, despite the opposition and challenges he faced. He stayed firm in his faith.
Only a strong faith will enable us to stay firm in times if great challenges.
John had this, and we should aspire to have it too. He worked for God despite these challenges against him. He lived the first reading - setting a good example to others and working (for God), and in the process doing his best to earn the eternal great reward of life in eternity with God.
In one way or another, we all suffer. We all experience problems and challenges. But we are also reminded that it is better to suffer for doing good, than suffer as a consequence of your actions and decisions. Doing God’s work, like St John the Baptist, caused him to suffer in the hands of powerful people at that time. We too can experience this in the form of oppression from others, mockery, among other things. These are sufferings, but because of doing good, and are temporary. St John the Baptist’s suffering was the end of his hardships here on earth and the beginning of his life eternal with God in heaven. However, some can also suffer for doing bad. A drug addict can suffer from addiction, torn family, financial problems, etc. these are also sufferings, but not caused by doing God’s work, but by our own decisions.
During this time of pandemic, we should continue to stay firm. We see a lot of corruption and evil all around us. Sometimes it may make us question our decisions. Evil ones remain unpunished. However, we should stay firm in faith. God knows what he is doing. He is still in charge. And even if evil people remain free and unscathed in this world, it will not be the case when God comes to judge us.
During this time of pandemic, we should continue to stay firm. We see a lot of corruption and evil all around us. Sometimes it may make us question our decisions. Evil ones remain unpunished. However, we should stay firm in faith. God knows what he is doing. He is still in charge. And even if evil people remain free and unscathed in this world, it will not be the case when God comes to judge us.
How do I look at sufferings and problems? Do I live right, or are my sufferings the result of my wrong decisions and lifestyle? Do I offer my sufferings to God, and keep my faith, continue doing good despite of these? How can I strengthen my faith in Him, especially amidst all the rampant evil in this world?
May we be inspired by St John the Baptist’s focus on God, courage and strength as he experienced suffering in doing God’s work.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the inspiration. Lord, I am sorry for the many times I don't act like John the Baptist. Sorry for being scared and not staying firm when faced with powerful oppositions. And sorry for making bad decisions that cause my sufferings and hardships. Lord, I ask that you help me be like St John the Baptist. May I always find courage from and strength in you, especially as I experience challenges and suffering in doing your work. Help me be brave and strong in doing your work. Make me a firm soldier especially when evil propers around me. Use me for your kingdom wherever I may be. Amen.
Blessed Weekend!
In Christ
-g-
August 29, 2020
The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist; Beheading of John the Baptist
FIRST READING
The word of the LORD came to me thus:
Gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them; For it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, A pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: Against Judah’s kings and princes, against its priests and people. They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.
Gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them; For it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, A pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: Against Judah’s kings and princes, against its priests and people. They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. I will sing your salvation.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me.
R. I will sing your salvation.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
R. I will sing your salvation.
For you are my hope, O LORD; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength.
R. I will sing your salvation.
My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. I will sing your salvation.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me.
R. I will sing your salvation.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
R. I will sing your salvation.
For you are my hope, O LORD; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength.
R. I will sing your salvation.
My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. I will sing your salvation.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
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. 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’ 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.
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