Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.

Herod promises to give Herodias’ daughter whatever she asks for after she dances for him and when she asks for the head of John the Baptist, he gives it to her in spite of knowing that what he is doing is wrong. Like him, we can sometimes convince ourselves to do something evil by rationalizing it. We come up with excuses that make sinning “not so bad” because we “had to do it.” We let others talk us into sinning because of peer pressure or a misplaced sense of owing them something. Sometimes we even convince ourselves it’s the right or only thing we can do. However, we always have a choice to do good or evil. We are never forced to sin, we allow it. Worse yet, we make excuses for it, try to hide it, or fail to recognize our failings. We must be on constant guard against giving in to temptation and sinning. And if we do fail, then we should seek forgiveness for our sins with contrite hearts. Then, with the help of God, we should do penance, avoid temptations, and sin no more.

Are we being pressured into doing anything evil? How can we avoid and resist the temptations or tempters we face? What can we do to keep ourselves from rationalizing our sins?

O Lord, we are distressed by the constant temptations of the Devil. Help us to overcome them and do Your Will more perfectly.

Amen.