Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.

When we hear the truth, our hearts recognize it, but sometimes we fear the truth or are perplexed by it like Herod was because as sinners our ability to listen to God with open hearts has been compromised. We let our selfishness stop up our ears and keep us from hearing the word of God and living it out with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths. Hopefully, we will learn from Herod’s mistake and not repeat it in our own lives. We should surround ourselves with and learn from those people who are righteous and holy in our lives.

Who are the righteous and holy people in our lives? Have we sought to surround ourselves with good people? Are our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths open to the good news?

O Lord, grant us the grace to listen to the righteous and holy people in our lives and learn who to live out God’s Word now and forever.

Amen.