BEADS OF JOY 08-29-16
“Death of John The Baptist”
©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
Today’s Gospel: Mark 6:17-29 (Death of John The Baptist)
“For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.”
Reflection:
Wow! Read about John the Baptist and you have to ask yourself: How bold and courageous am I to witness my faith? Would I be willing to push the envelope to the point of death and be a martyr for Jesus? If not what would my alternatives be? It is a rather tough choice to make. If you are with Jesus, eternity in Heaven awaits you; if you not well He’ll decide, but it’s not good to be against Him. There is no middle ground, no lukewarm acceptable place. It’s either yes or no. John the Baptist chose Yes!
Fear is something all those who are against the Gospel think they can use against us. Well, let them know they can’t. Not even death, can stop our faith. Not even death, can stop me from loving Jesus. Not even death, will make me deny my Lord. In this life there are many distractions, many people who seem to know everything about nothing. Don’t listen to them! Stay focused fully on Jesus. Read scripture as much as possible. Attend daily Mass as often as you can. Stay in our Lord’s presence at Adoration. Shower your life with Jesus as much as you possibly can.
I reflect on this scripture often for strength:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen” ~1 Peter 5:6-11
LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
