Let mutual love continue

Heb. 13:1-8, Mk 6:14-29. Today's first reading presents a moral code for us to keeping the faith: “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” This call to hospitality, contentment, care of prisoners and the persecuted are noble, heartfelt evidence of our relationship with Christ. Such sincere, selfless concern for others, exhibited in actions keeps our identity with Christ. This lifestyle projects a contrast with the brutal interplay of lust, resentment, cynicism and callous violence that led to the beheading of John the Baptist.

Herod’s superficial hedonism, which was condemned by John the Baptist, led him step by step to the tragic execution. Urged on by the venom of Herodias and the licentious dancing of her daughter Salome, the frivolous king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. What a far cry from the ideals of love, hospitality, faithful marriage and simple dignity, as proposed by Jesus. Today, we are called to proclaim the way of God as revealed to us by Jesus. That will call for courage at times, the courage displayed by John the Baptist and Jesus. Now, more than in the past, we need a courageous faith; we need the courage of the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the Gospel value. Such was the courage of St Agatha when she was martyred at Catania in Sicily, during the persecution of Decius (250-253). Devotion to her was widespread in the Church in the earliest times and she is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass. A courageous faith is not an arrogant faith, but it is a firm faith, an enduring faith, a faith that holds firm when the storms come because its deep rooted.

May the Lord grant us the gift of such faith and the kind of faithfulness that shaped John’s life and Agatha's death! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!