Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24, Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34, Matthew 14:1-12

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:10
Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24, Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34,
Matthew 14:1-12


Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Jeremiah warned the people of God's wrath if they continued to sin and worship false gods. The reaction of the people is fury for those who have given themselves up to sin hate those who point out that they are wrong and that the day of judgment and reckoning will come. On the other hand, there are those who believe, they repent and resolve to sin no more. To these God will grant forgiveness and pardon. All who believe in the One that the Father has sent will be saved.

Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Rescue me from the snares of the Enemy lest I sink in the miry depths of sin and be lost to You forever. In Your great love for me, in Your tenderness Lord, hear my cry for help and reach out and draw me to Yourself. I am sorry Beloved, forgive me and help me to overcome my weaknesses. Strengthen me as I receive the Sacraments and permit me never to wander too far away from You that I am unable to find my way back to You.

Stay close to me Beloved, always.

Matthew 14:1-12

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

John the Baptist was unafraid to call out Herod's sin in public and to his face. Herod was in a position of power and he was giving scandal by wedding his brother's wife.

Those in positions of authority and power believe themselves to be above the law. But this is not true. In fact, they are duty bound to live exemplary lives as they are role models. However, the culture in which we live today celebrates sin and decadent living. Sin is called by every other name but what it is. Those who raise their voices in condemnation of the licentious lifestyles of those in positions of influence, who corrupt the morals of those who look up to them, are condemned and belittled. It takes courage to stand unafraid and uncompromisingly on the side of Truth.

The wicked will have the heads of the good on a platter but You remind us not to worry about those who can take our lives but after that can do no more. We ought to be more concerned about God who can kill both body and soul and consign it in the fire that never goes out.