These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he 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. (Mk 6:14-29)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020626.cfm
There is a risk of preaching of truth to power. The Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire recently urged his priests “to get their affairs in order, to make sure they have their wills written.”¨ The bishop expects a new era of martyrdom as the church prepares to defend vulnerable people against societal violence. Saint Paul Miki (1562-1597) and his companions are the first martyrs of Japan. https://youtu.be/kJwJBnnj1gI?si=Pi0pimkcPKHKOc-3
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two. (Mk 6:7-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020526.cfm
The sending of the Twelve is the story of missionary disciples in every age. The Lord sends us to heal and proclaim the Good News to all the nations. Saint Agatha (231-251) is one of the famous virgin martyrs of the early church. Saint Felipe de Jesús (1572-1597) was a Franciscan missionary who was crucified in Nagasaki, Japan. https://youtu.be/5pEg2CPuk88?si=-Kl_NvFsVTrtYdol
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. (Mk 6:1-6)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020426.cfm
When we hear this passage we generally focus on the brothers and sisters of Jesus and forget what a scandal Jesus is to his neighbors. The gospel writer reminds us how important faith is. https://youtu.be/qqd4ZnYOgX0?si=ay3h9Y6FmHLZcJIV
There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. (Mk 5:21-43)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020326.cfm
The Blessing of Throats on the feast of Saint Blaise recalls the ministry of Jesus with the sick. I grew up singing the old hymn: She Only Touched the Hem of His Garment. Like the woman in the gospel story, when we reach out and touch just the hem of his garment, we find healing in body, mind and spirit. Today's photo is of the blessing of throats in the Church of Saint Blaise in Dubrovnik, Croatia. https://youtu.be/m2E9RYWRgkU?si=i9RPuYJBEcIkovvV
Simeon took the child Jesus into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Lk 2:22-40)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020226.cfm
Simeon and Anna represent all of us who longingly await God’s salvation. In spite of all the darkness of this world, the dawn from on high breaks upon us. For in Christ, God comes to meet us, a light shining in darkness.
