For in truth it was the Lord who sent me to you, to speak all things for you to hear. – Jeremiah 26:15

       Let’s admit it. It’s difficult to take correction from others. Or put in another way, it is hard to acknowledge the errors of our ways when others point them out to us. We don’t like to be told we are wrong. More so, if we strongly believe there is really nothing wrong!

       In today’s First Reading, this is exactly how the religious leaders felt when Jeremiah exhorted them and their community to reform their lives. So much was their indignation that they wanted Jeremiah executed. Their pride got the better of them. They saw Jeremiah as meddlesome and failed to realize that he was actually a bearer of good news.

      Today’s reading challenges us to rethink our response when someone disagrees with us or points out what he thinks is our mistake. It also challenges us to acknowledge that maybe we needed to hear that correction. It reminds us to set aside our pride and be open to the criticism and correction by not reacting to them but responding with love and understanding. We will be the better person for it. Erwin Roceles (erwin_roceles@yahoo.com)

Reflection: “Never assume that every critic is a hater. Not everyone is hating on you. Some people are telling you the truth.” (Unknown)

Dear Lord, grant me the grace to accept my many shortcomings, especially those that others have graciously pointed out to me. I pray that I may learn from them and strive to be better in my ways. Amen.

St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

The leaders do not like the prophecies of Jeremiah. Some want to kill him and end his troublemaking. But God protects Jeremiah. The prophet continues to proclaim the message God gives Him and is persecuted by the leaders of the community. Let us be open to what the prophets of today are saying to us.

Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24

11 The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people, “This man deserves death; he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.” 12 Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people: “It was the Lord who sent me to prophesy against this house and city all that you have heard. 13 Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the Lord your God, so that the Lord will repent of the evil with which he threatens you. 14 As for me, I am in your hands; do with me what you think good and right. 15 But mark well: if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves, on this city and its citizens. For in truth it was the Lord who sent me to you, to speak all these things for you to hear.” 16 Thereupon the princes and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man does not deserve death; it is in the name of the Lord, our God, that he speaks to us.” 24 So Ahikam, son of Shaphan, protected Jeremiah, so that he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34

R: Lord, in your great love, answer me.

14 [15] Rescue me out of the mire; may I not sink! May I be rescued from my foes, and from the watery depths. 15 [16] Let not the flood-waters overwhelm me, nor the abyss swallow me up, nor the pit close its mouth over me. (R) 29 [30] But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. 30 [31] I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. (R) 32 [33] “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! 33 [34] For the Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” (R)

The story of John the Baptist is an important one. John has preceded Jesus in many things, having been sent to prepare His way. We now catch a glimpse of what the end of Jesus will be through the death of John the Baptist. Herod feared the people’s reaction and, because of his pride, he had John killed. Jesus died because of our sins – sins that result from our own weaknesses and rebellion – and from our fear of standing up for what is right.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 14:1-12

1 Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 3 Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of  Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, 4 for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. 6 But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod 7 so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, 10 and he had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 12 His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

think: Jesus died because of our sins — sins that result from our own weaknesses and rebellion – and from our fear of standing up for what is right.

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Esther C-7

With a copy of the Antiquities of the Jews by the first century Jewish historian Josephus in my hand, I climbed up the ruins of the Fortress of Machaerus. Around me was nothing but desert — no tree, no bush, only sand and stones, and down there was a lake called Dead Sea. It was in this desolate place that John the Baptist was held prisoner for two years until Herod Antipas made his most foolish oath that cost John his life.

       This son of King Herod the Great was no better than his ruthless father. To be told by John that it was not lawful to live with his half-brother’s wife, Herodias, was enough for him to incarcerate the fearless man of God. Watching the lascivious dance of Salome, he forgot everything that was right. He allowed his conscience to be manipulated by his senses, and so caused him to commit an even worse sin — the murder of a prophet.

      The story about the martyrdom of John the Baptist was surely included in the Gospel because of John’s death and the lessons it gives us. First, John the Baptist tells us something very important: To stand up for the truth and speak out courageously, even in front of one who is in authority, was, is and will always be risky. And yet, this is what the prophets of old did, what Jesus did, and what He asks us to do. It cost John his head and brought Jesus to the Cross, but if we want to be real followers of the Lord, we have to follow their example courageously.

        Second, Herod makes us aware of not being carried away by lust and by our senses. Once aroused, they can rob us easily of sound reason and cause us to make decisions we would later regret. The foolish oath of Herod Antipas is the best example.

         Third, the world looks at Herod, Herodias and Salome without scorn. But the one they scorned is honored as a great saint. It is worthwhile not to follow those whom the world loves and honors in spite of their shady deeds. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you have the courage of Jesus and John to stand up for the truth in public?

Lord, send me the Holy Spirit whenever I have to stand up for the truth so that I will never fail You. Amen.