Gilderious Khonglah csc
Readings: Jer 1:17-19; Mk 6:17-29
The word of God today asks us to be courageous, just like the prophets of olden days.
In the first reading, God asks us to be prepared for facing challenging situations by relying on God’s grace. Just like John the Baptist in the gospel we need to persevere in the face of misunderstandings and tough situations. Who was John the Baptist? He was a courageous prophet, who was given the privilege to be the forerunner of the Messiah. He was faithful in accomplishing the mission which was entrusted to him. What was his mission? To prepare the way for the Lord by preaching the message of repentance and truth. In all his life, he displayed simplicity and holiness.
John the Baptist stands as a model for those who desire to bear prophetic witness. Truth hurts and many people would rather choose to live in lie rather than the truth. It takes courage to stand up for the truth and John the Baptist gave his life for it.
John’s strength in the face of imprisonment and cruel death encourages us to be strong for God in the face of hostile dealings. Let us be faithful to our mission despite the challenging situation that come on our way. It is better to be headless rather than faithless. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” (Ps 118: 8-9).