Daily Gospel Reflection for August 29, 2026

Reflect on the courage to speak up for your beliefs as exemplified by John the Baptist, and pray for boldness in proclaiming the truth in today's world.

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

I don’t know about you, but at times, I don’t want to speak up when I know I should. It’s not because I’m shy, but it is because I’m afraid of the response. I worry about what they will say and if I will know how to respond or whether they will like me after I speak up. As a priest and preacher of the Gospel, I also worry if I preach a bold message that maybe people will leave the parish or donations will cease. There are lots of fears about speaking up.

We have all been there. Maybe it's  a social where someone brings up the Church and throws shade at her because of the abuse scandal or because the Church needs to "get with the times" and change. Maybe it's topics of morality and social issues or people hating on the pope. We know we should defend the Church, but we find it easier to be silent than to speak up and defend what we believe in.

John the Baptist was not afraid to speak up. He was willing to call a spade a spade. He told Herod that he could not have his brother’s wife. John knew right from wrong and wanted to lead Herod in living a good and moral life. This cost him his life. He spoke up and he died.

His heroic witness challenges us to speak up, no matter the cost. Souls and salvation depend on it. Let us pray for boldness in proclaiming what we believe. The world and the Church need more John the Baptists. Decide to let your voice proclaim the truth to the world.

Ponder:

Would you be willing to risk your life for what you believe in?

Pray:

Jesus, give me courage and wisdom to speak up and defend the truth. Help me proclaim Your name to the world. 

Pray Together:

Consider a few topics that you've not responded to when you heard them in conversation and consider future responses, so that you might always be ready to give a defense.

Copyright 2026 Fr. Edward Looney