Thursday of the 21st week in ordinary time
Jeremiah 1: 17-19 Mark 6: 17-2
Theme: The Cost of discipleship
Today the church celebrates the memorial of the Martyrdom of John the Baptist. A man who willingly gave everything for his faith in God. He could not stand the evil action of Herod, and so without fear he told Herod that his action was wrong and evil. By this singular action, he was threading on a path that others were scared to walk. He knew the implication of his action, but he did not allow fear to stop him from doing the right thing. He stood for what was good and right and he confronted Herod. This action was the beginning of his problems, because Jezebel was not willing to lose all she was already enjoying as the wife of King Herod, not minding the fact that innocent blood was shed in the process.
The uprightness and fearless spirit of John the Baptist is worthy of emulation, by all of us as children of God. When you are faced with challenging situations like John the Baptist found himself, what do you do? Do you act like John the Baptist by standing for what is good and right, or you allow fear to keep you away from saying and doing what is right? Whatever the situation is, the promise of God to the prophet in todays 1st reading, should be a source of great strength to all of us as children of God. The prophet Jeremiah was going through a lot of challenges and difficulties because the people could not accept the truth about themselves, as presented by the prophet Jeremiah. The Lord assured him that the people will fight against him, but they shall not prevail, because God is on his side.
Dearly beloved in Christ, let this assurance of God continue to strengthen you in your journey of faith, especially when you are faced with challenges and difficulties that emanate because of your faith in God. Do not be weary, because you have God on your side, and he will never fail or desert all those who trust in him with their hearts. God cannot change, he is still the same God that assured the prophet Jeremiah of his guidance and protection. Let this assurance always be your source of strength, when you find yourself standing alone, just like John the Baptist. These are some of the prices we must pay because of our call to discipleship, it challenges the way of the world.
May the Lord continue to strengthen our faith in him, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.