The First Reading, a letter to Hebrews, reminds us of the importance of our Christian witness. The Holy Scripture reminds us to always welcome strangers, keep others in mind and hold up a moral code that respects our belief system, including the importance of marriage. These instructions are summed up with the powerful verse, “Remember your leaders, who preached the word of God to you, and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, take their faith as your model. Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday, and he will be forever.” (Hebrew 13:7-8). This call to rise above all immoral behavior no matter what and to be holy.
In the Gospel Reading today, we see how vastly different King Herod compares to Jesus Christ. Herod used his power and influence to indulge in his own desires, gratification, and ultimately his choices that lead to John the Baptist’s brutal death. King Herod used his affluence and power to hold wild parties and opportunities for immoral behavior. Herodias, the wife of Herold, sadly used her daughter to not only sexually please her very own husband and the crowd, but this young girl’s reward was the head of John the Baptist on a platter! What a shocking and disgusting request. Sin leads down a path of darkness, while our faith leads us to a life rooted in Christ.
Today’s readings reveal the importance of being a leader that leads others to Christ, for our Lord is the same today, tomorrow, and forever.
Emily Jaminet is a Catholic author, speaker, radio personality, wife, and mother of seven children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mental health and human services from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is the co-founder of www.inspirethefaith.com and the Executive Director of The Sacred Heart Enthronement Network www.WelcomeHisHeart.com. She has co-authored several Catholic books and her next one, Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Claiming Jesus’ Twelve Promises in Your Life, comes out in Oct. 2020. Emily serves on the board of the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference, contributes to Relevant Radio and Catholic Mom.com.
Feature Image Credit: Jesus Rodrigo Rodrigo, https://www.cathopic.com/photo/1264-luz-evangelio
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