MEMORIAL OF ST PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS, FRIDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, FEBRUARY 6, 2026

MASS READINGS;

Gospel

Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 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. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,“ I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guest she did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

REFLECTION

 “It is John whom I beheaded."

Why are we reluctant to repent, ask forgiveness and trust God? The contrast of two kings...

Here was David, a sinner, who with his every deed offered thanks to God Most High with words of praise. He sang laurels and made sweet melodies. The Lord forgave him his sins and exalted his strength forever.

David loved God and God loved him. All David's failures, fears, wounds, sins and deceptions had been set before the Lord with regret and repentance. He trusted God and served him.

Herod refused to repent and suffered the damaging effects of his sins, with unrest, spiritual blindness, doubt, suspicions and now a paranoic pitiful state of a tormented guilty conscience.

Which would we rather strife for? Happiness, praising God with songs, and receiving His mercy, healing and transformation? OR irrational thinking, fear, self destruction, confusion and spiritual blindness?

Repentance and confession set us free, help us with virtue, and Jesus transforms us. Though difficult, it is a path needed to rest in God's love. Learn from David and not Herod. May we all have the courage to confess without fear. We pray for priests for holy advice, compassion and pity towards the sinner. Please join us in our daily Prayer for Priests.

God Bless You