💖 HOMILY - FEBRUARY 7 💖

First Reading - Hebrews 13:1-8 

Gospel - Mark 6:14-29

We live in a world that constantly changes—people rise to power and fall, trends come and go, and what is celebrated today may be forgotten tomorrow. In such a shifting world, we often struggle to find something solid, something lasting. The readings today remind us of two essential truths: first, that love and faithfulness should be the foundation of our lives, and second, that while the world may be unpredictable, Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.  

The first reading from Hebrews gives us a simple yet profound guide to Christian living. It calls us to love one another, to show hospitality, to care for prisoners and the suffering, to honor marriage, and to be free from greed. These are not just moral instructions; they are reminders of how we are meant to reflect the unchanging love of God in our daily lives. The passage reassures us that God will never abandon us and that, with faith in Him, we have nothing to fear. It ends with a powerful truth: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." In a world that is constantly shifting, this truth is our anchor.  

The Gospel, however, presents a stark contrast. We hear about Herod, a man whose life was governed by fear, pride, and the pressure to please others. Herod was fascinated by John the Baptist—he recognized him as a righteous man and even enjoyed listening to him. Yet, when the moment of decision came, Herod’s fear of losing face before his guests led him to commit a terrible act. A careless promise at a banquet, combined with the manipulations of Herodias, resulted in the beheading of John the Baptist. This story is a tragic example of how failing to stand by one’s convictions can lead to destruction.  

The contrast between the two readings is striking. The first reading encourages steadfastness in love and faith, while the Gospel shows the consequences of weakness and fear. Herod knew what was right, but he lacked the courage to act on it. His concern for his reputation and his desire to please others overpowered his conscience. This is a warning for all of us. How often do we know what is right but hesitate to act because we fear what others might think? How often do we let external pressures dictate our choices instead of standing firm in truth?  

The message today is clear: we are called to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ. This means living out love in practical ways, as Hebrews instructs us, and standing firm in our faith even when it is difficult. Herod's downfall came from his inability to make the right choice in a critical moment. But we are reminded that Jesus is unchanging—if we remain rooted in Him, we will have the strength to act with integrity, even when the world pressures us to do otherwise.  

Let us ask God for the courage to stand for what is right, the wisdom to build our lives on His unchanging truth, and the love to reflect His goodness in all we do. May we not be like Herod, swayed by fear and pride, but like Christ, steadfast in love and truth.