The Catholic Calendar for Friday, February 6, 2004
Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Paul Miki, martyr, and his companions, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 47:2-11
Psalm 18:31,47,50-51
Mark 6:14-29

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The consequence of truth is the shining forth of justice, with its ‘terrible swift sword’. The power of truth clashes with the misuse of power by rulers. In the first reading, the strength and power of King David is celebrated, but ends with a reminder that even this great king misused his power through sin with Bathsheba. When confronted with the truth by Nathan, he repented for the injustice, and was restored to righteousness before God.

In the Gospel, Herod Antipas misuses his power. The salacious dance of Salome seduces his heart, and he compounds his adultery with Herodias through the murder of John the Baptist. Now, cowering in fear at the mention of the name of Jesus, truth and justice triumph as dogs lap up his blood.

Indeed, truth shines with a terrible beauty -- the beauty of ultimate justice. May we take both comfort and warning from today's readings.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:42 AM