The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ.

I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die.

I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you become happy.

I obey Christ. After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them.

I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.

                                                                                          — St. Paul Miki

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading   ＊＊＊

Sirach 47:2-11

 As fat is selected

From the peace offering, David was chosen among the Israelites.

He played with lions and bears like lambs or young goats.

He was still young when he slew a giant to restore the honor of his people;

with a sling, he aimed a stone that killed the arrogant Goliath.

 

He invoked the Lord Most High, who gave him the strength to slay a mighty warrior and exalt his people's power.

So they glorified him for his ten thousand and praised him as a blessing from the Lord when he was chosen king.

For he wiped out his enemies on all sides and annihilated his adversaries, the Philistines, crushing their power forever.

In all that he did, he thanked the Most High and showed his love for his Maker by singing with all his heart.

 

He placed singers accompanied by harps before the altar to make beautiful music;

 he gave splendor to feasts and even greater magnificence to the more solemn occasions,

exalting the holy name of the Lord and having the Sanctuary ring with his praises from early morning.

The Lord forgave David’s sins and established his power forever;

he made a Covenant with him for the benefit of the kings and gave him a glorious throne in Israel.

 

Ps 18:31, 47 & 50,51

Blessed be God my salvation

 

＊＊＊Gospel＊＊＊

Mark 6:14-29

King Herod also heard about Jesus, because his name had become well known.

Some people said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead,

and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him." Others thought, "He is Elijah,"

and others, "He is a prophet like the prophets of times past."

When Herod was told of this, he thought, "I had John beheaded; yet, he has risen from the dead!"

 

For this is what had happened: Herod had ordered John to be arrested;

and had had him bound and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.

Herod had married her; and John had told him, "It is not right for you to live with your brother's wife."

So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him; but she could not, because Herod respected John.

He knew John to be an upright and holy man, and kept him safe.

And he liked listening to him; although he became very disturbed whenever he heard him.

 

Herodias had her chance on Herod's birthday, when he gave a dinner for all the senior government officials,

military chiefs, and the leaders of Galilee. On that occasion, the daughter of Herodias came in and danced;

and she delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you."

And he went so far as to say with many oaths, "I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom."

She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" The mother replied, "The head of John the Baptist."

 

The girl hurried to the king and made her request, "I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish."

The king was very displeased, but he would not refuse in front of his guests because of his oaths.

So he sent one of the bodyguards, with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded John in prison;

then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her mother.

When John's disciples heard of this, they came and took his body and buried it.

 

Gospel Reflection：

Fidelity to God requires courage, sacrifice, and suffering.

Our gospel presents us a contrast between John the Baptist and Herod.

We read about the tragic beheading of John the Baptist, a prophet wholly devoted to God.

John's steadfast commitment to truth compelled him to confront King Herod regarding his unlawful marriage,

even at the cost of his life. John's martyrdom serves as a reminder that fidelity to God requires courage, sacrifice, and suffering.

On the other hand, we have Herod, who feared God but feared public opinion even more.

 

Consumed by drink, he made a rash oath, and when faced with the consequences of his vow,

he chose to preserve his pride instead of what is righteous.

This contrast challenges us: Will we stand firm in our faith like John the Baptist, or will we compromise like Herod?

True discipleship means staying faithful, even in adversity and in death.

May we embody John's boldness to proclaim the truth and trust that,

in the end, God rewards those who remain faithful to Him.