“I AM WITH YOU TO DELIVER YOU” (Jer 1:19)

⏰Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist (29 Aug. 2018)

📑Jer 1:17-19; Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17 (R.v.15ab); Mark 6:17-29

Have you read the story of the life and death of John the Baptist and so became afraid of speaking out the truth in the face of possible oppression or persecution? Have you become afraid of standing out of the crowd especially in the face of possible threat to your life?

Listen to the voice of God speaking to you through the prophet Jeremiah, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against, for I am with you [always] to deliver you” (Jer 1:19; see also Matt 28:20).

That promise does not mean that you might not be harmed. I think Jesus clarified what the prophet meant when he said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt 10:28). So the promised divine deliverance is particularly for our souls, though material deliverance might not be excluded.

By the way, it is only those with redeemable qualities that can be delivered. Pride can push one to being irredeemable. Consider the situation that Herod found himself (cf. Mark 6:17-29). If he was humbler, he might have saved his head and that of John.

May God grant us the grace of humility to keep us from sin, a courageous spirit to speak out the truth always, and protection from those who seek our damnation. Amen.

Have a victorious day ahead. Peace be with you.