Friday 3 February

Ecclesiasticus 47:2-11; Psalm 18; Mark 6:14-29

A right conscience

It took courage to rebuke an Oriental King as John the Baptist did, condemning Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife. John preferred death to falsehood. He lived for the truth and was beheaded for it. Herodias murdered John that she might sin in peace. She forgot that, not needing to meet John any more, she would still have to meet God. When I speak the truth in charity I pray that I speak in the Lord’s name. I pray to be guided by my God.