Lectionar # 327. Feb.6, 2009

Scripture: Hebrews 13: 1-8. Psalm 27:1,3,5,8-9. Mark 6:14-29. Lectionary #
327.

Mark gives us a vivid description of the martyrdom of John the
Baptist. He had witnessed the coming of the Messiah, baptized him in the
Jordan, and then continued his strong preaching for everyone to reform.
Herodias and Herod Antipas were the object of some of his preaching and now
Herodias has her chance of revenge. She asks for the head of John the
Baptist and Herod, grants her wish because of the lewd entertainment his
guests had experienced in dance of the daughter of Herodias. Herod had
promised the girl whatever she would request and her mother told her to
have John the Baptist beheaded. For Jesus, the death of the Baptist is the
sign that he is to enter fully into his mission of doing God's will and
preaching the kingdom of God. The kingdom is now present and all are
called to reform and believe in the Good News Jesus preaches about it.

The account of Mark helps us to read our first reading that tells the
community they have not witnessed and resisted up to the point of shedding
blood. John the Baptist's martyrdom helps them to see the point made by
the inspired writer. They are to follow the example of Jesus now and be
conscious of the presence of the kingdom now.

The reading is an encouragement to love one another and always to
show hospitality. They are to commiserate with those in prison (recall
John the Baptist's imprisonment) and to persevere despite persecution. We
may ask how can we assimilate the lessons offered to us today from both the
Gospel and from the Epistle to the Hebrews? Patience, prayer, and
perseverance are some of the virtues suggested. We can pray for those
suffering unjustly. We can and should pray for God's justice to reign in
people's hearts and we are able to become aware of injustice in our own
area of ministry or citizenship. Being aware is part of the way to peace
and justice. Speaking out about the issues dealing with social justice and
peace. Our faith is to be strong and to realize that Jesus is with us
always.

Our Psalm response is a good way of praying in union with the
intentions offered to us from the readings. "The Lord is my helper. The
Lord is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid? The Lord is my light
and salvation." (Psalm27:1). We can also recall the last lines from the
first reading:"Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you;
consider how their lives ended, and imitate their faith. JESUS CHRIST IS
THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER. AMEN."