Daily Gospel Reflection for February 5, 2016

Today's Gospel: Mark 6, 14-29 - St. Agatha

It's never easy to do the right thing. Calling someone out on their sin is especially difficult because few people have hearts open enough to want conversion. The extraordinary character and virtue in John the Baptist is found in his courage to defend the sanctity of marriage and do his part to lead souls to truth, no matter what the cost. John was in the business of saving souls for God, and he gave up all earthly comforts to do so.

From the moment he was first graced with the Lord's presence at the Visitation, to his privileged role in the baptism of Jesus, John's conviction never wavered. He knew who he was and what he was made for. More importantly, he encountered Christ in a deeply personal way - not just in conversation but through spiritual communion.

This gave him the courage to speak up and present the offending parties an invitation to real freedom and authenticity. It was a challenge to greatness, but sadly enough, King Herod and Herodias refused to see it that way. Nevertheless, John's martyrdom was not a sign of defeat. It was the crown of glory given to a simple man who lived and died for Love.

In these times of moral relativism and Christian persecution, we, too, are called to be bearers of truth and light in a dark world. Let us give witness as John the Baptist did, moving past the fear into the empowering strength of the Holy Spirit.

Ponder:

Think about your circles of influence and the people you encounter every day. What impact could you have on the lives of others who have not yet encountered Jesus' transformative love?

Pray:

Jesus, our Redeemer, grant us the grace to persevere in faith during times of trial. Enlighten our minds to know your will, inspire our lips to proclaim your Word, and fill us with your everlasting peace. Amen.

Copyright 2016 Marianne Soratorio Dyogi

Marianne Soratorio Dyogi is a wife, homeschooling mom, a Creighton Model FertilityCare Practitioner, and a former Catholic school teacher. She lives in Southern California with her husband Gary and four amazing children. As the founder of As He Loves Ministries and Stella Maris FertilityCare Services, Marianne devotes her time to spreading the good news about life and authentic love.