Optional Memorial of Saint Ansgar, Bishop
Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop, Martyr
Proper for the Memorial of St. Ansgar
Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop, Martyr
Proper for the Memorial of St. Ansgar
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| “Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” by Caravaggio, 1608 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Hebrews 13:1-8
Commentary on Heb 13:1-8
In this selection from Hebrews, the author turns from social and moral topics to doctrine. The community is reminded of the requirements of their faith, especially hospitality. In this passage: “…through it some have unknowingly entertained angels (v. 2),” a clear reference is made to Abraham’s encounter (Genesis 18: 1-5), and Tobit’s meeting with Raphael (Tobit 5:4-9). Following the exhortation to remain unified, and cling to the Christian values of morality and generosity, the author assures them of God’s presence with them. And even though their original leaders have passed away, Jesus Christ is unchanging: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
CCC: Heb 13:3 2447
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc
R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Commentary on Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc
Psalm 27 is a hymn of praise with two distinct parts. This passage captures the two major themes of the song, hope in God’s mercy and complete trust in his goodness.
CCC: Ps 27:8 2730
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Gospel: Mark 6:14-29
Commentary on Mk 6:14-29
Mark’s account of the capture and execution of St. John the Baptist is presented in this pericope, or excerpt. We note the story has many similarities with Jesus’ encounter with Pilate later in the Gospel (Mark 15:1-47). Both Herod and Pilate acknowledge the holiness of the ones they are to put to death. In both cases following the executions, faithful followers insure the body is given a respectful burial. St. Matthew’s Gospel gives a more complete introduction of Herod and Herodias (see Matthew 14:1-3). The actual account presented here is done as a flashback, as Herod questions the identity of Jesus whose disciples have just been sent into his region with great authority.
CCC: Mk 6:17-29 523
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Reflection:
We are given the story of the execution of St. John the Baptist to contemplate in the Gospel, and recall how the great “Voice” faithfully played his role to the very end. He prefigured Christ from his birth, and now decreases so the Lord might increase (John 3:30). For us, his death points to the passion of Christ who, like St. John, is subjected to human cruelty and ultimate death on the cross. Unlike the “Voice,” the “Word” continues; we are adopted in his sacrifice and become heirs to the joys and sorrows of the path to the Father.
The author of Hebrews reminds us of that legacy of faith and obedience. He speaks to the Hebrew audience, whose original leaders have died, to be faithful to the example they provided. They have held true to the core of Christian teaching, which has faith, hope and love at its heart. And even as we reflect upon the Hebrews message, we realize that all those who first read this letter have also passed on, as did those to whom the ancient text was handed on.
So many have gone before us in faith. We feel the weight of their gaze upon us as we struggle to follow their examples (today we feel Sts. Ansgar and Blaise especially). It is this very sense of historical tradition that gives us added strength. Like a child doing their best to make their parents proud, even though their mother and father have passed away. We accept the scrutiny of our predecessors as righteous encouragement, and rededicate ourselves to living lives that will tell all those who meet us that the lineage from which we come has its roots in Christ. Indeed our actions should mark us clearly as belonging to him.
Today we pray once more for the strength to carry the message of love into the world. Our hope is that when we retire this evening we can return the loving gaze of those saints and angels who watch over us with a sense of oneness, having done this day as they would have done in our place.
Pax
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