Daily Gospel Reflection for August 29, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

Today’s Gospel recounts the Passion of St. John the Baptist. It is a tragic story of pride and injustice that culminates in the execution of an innocent man. Shakespeare could not have written a more revealing tale showing what evil lurks in the hearts of men.

One word that jumps out of this passage is “grudge.” Herodias holds a grudge against John the Baptist because he spoke the truth to Herod: “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

I can only speculate how this grudge brewed in her mind. Perhaps she heard of John’s reprimand and reacted in a flash of anger. Picture her brooding until the grudge exploded into insane fury and a gruesome plot.

Sin is like that. An uncharitable thought takes hold in our minds, and we can’t shake it. Dare I say, we may even nurture it. That is the insidious way of pride in our lives. I think of myself as better than another and put that person down or spread gossip.

Wise spiritual teachers advise us to confess even venial sins lest they percolate into mortal sins. That is why self-awareness, especially of our thoughts, is vital to live a charitable life.

How blessed we are to have the sacraments that strengthen us on life’s journey.

Ponder:

Do I hold a grudge against someone?

Pray:

Merciful God, help me to honestly look at my sins and make a sincere confession. I thank you for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Copyright 2025 Kathryn Swegart