August 3, Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24; Matthew 14:1-12
Today’s Gospel recounts the execution of John the Baptist by King Herod Antipas. Herod’s violent act, driven by his illicit desires and quest for power, highlights humanity’s capacity for oppression.
Herod’s marriage to his half-sister-in-law Herodias and his desire for her daughter Salome lead him to silence John’s prophetic voice.
In stark contrast, John the Baptist’s martyrdom testifies to his unwavering faith and commitment to God. Despite imprisonment and threats, John continues to proclaim God’s truth, even at the cost of his life.
How do we respond in challenging situations? Are we tempted by our desires, leading to harm others or compromise our values? We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity or uncertainty.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: May we seek the true desire of our hearts, whether self-centered or God-centered. Let us ask for the grace to voice against injustice and love others.
Lord, help us remain steadfast in your precepts, especially during trials and temptations. Amen.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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