Daily Reflection for Friday, February 07, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020720.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Sirach 47: 2-11
Responsorial: Psalm 18: 31, 47, 50, 51
Gospel: Mark 6: 14-29
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her.” Mark 6:26
As I reflected on the passage today, I was presented with someone who spoke from the boldness of their faith (John the Baptist) and someone who spoke and acted concerned with what others thought of him (Herod). I reflected on who was I most like?
More times than I would want to count, I have made decisions based on keeping my honor with the “guests” that surrounded me. Although deeply distressed, I made those decisions thinking only of keeping my outward perceptions intact. Don’t we do this when we laugh at unkind jokes, or participate in conversations where the words spoken tear down instead of build up? Are not those ways we “kill” someone’s human dignity?
But that is not the end of the story for me! Unlike Herod, the words of John the Baptist and Jesus guide more than they perplex. In addition, Jesus’s love reaches out to me in scripture and in the sacraments. God’s overwhelming love found me and led me to Reconciliation. I am loved despite my sin and I am forgiven.
Bathed by the power of God’s forgiving love and mercy, I am empowered by the Holy Spirit within, and now I attempt to stay true to God’s light within me. I am coming closer to being able to share boldly God’s love with others in words and actions.
Are your actions based on Love or those around you?
Blessings for the journey!
Paula Paul