By Brandon, CSC –
Readings: Sir 47:2-11; Mk 6:14-29
The gospel poses a question before all of us: Are we ready to lose our life for our values? Our values and principles form our being. John the Baptist, the man who lived a righteous life, accepted beheading and paid a price for his values.
As we grow up in the society, our mothers teach values to us and as years pass those values get rooted in us. And if someone is going to put an end to our life because of our righteous living, would our mothers ask us to give up our values? No. She would encourage us to stand for the values than running away from the circumstances. This is what exactly occurred in the life Jesus and Mother Mary who pondered all the sufferings in her heart.
Every drop of blood that falls to the ground for a good cause produces numerous martyrs. Christianity has spread massively throughout the world because of its gospel values that it held on to down the centuries till today. It is the values and principles which have given birth to numerous saints, young and old. Today every walk of life needs righteous leaders to save humanity from its immoral behavior and abuse. Where can we find them? Let righteousness be nurtured in our homes. May the martyrdom of John the Baptist give inspiration to the young minds to be holy and righteous in the society.