Hope and Healing of our Masks

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to avoid defending and living with the masks with which we try to avoid truth and healing.

Time to Drop the Mask

The Prophet Jeremiah declares deliverance for Judah,—oracle of the LORD.

h. [1:16] Is 2:8.

i. [1:18] Jer 6:27; 15:20; Ez 3:8. (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 71 pleads for help on the basis of hope.

* [Psalm 71] A lament of an old person (Ps 71:9, 18) whose afflictions are interpreted by enemies as a divine judgment (Ps 71:11). The first part of the Psalm pleads for help (Ps 71:1–4) on the basis of a hope learned from a lifetime’s experience of God; the second part describes the menace (Ps 71:9–13) yet remains buoyant (Ps 71:14–16); the third develops the theme of hope and praise. (Psalms, PSALM 71 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark declares the hatred of Herodias toward John parallels that of the Jewish leaders toward Jesus.

* [6:17–29] Similarities are to be noted between Mark’s account of the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist in this pericope, and that of the passion of Jesus (Mk 15:1–47). Herod and Pilate, each in turn, acknowledges the holiness of life of one over whom he unjustly exercises the power of condemnation and death (Mk 6:26–27; 15:9–10, 14–15). The hatred of Herodias toward John parallels that of the Jewish leaders toward Jesus. After the deaths of John and of Jesus, well-disposed persons request the bodies of the victims of Herod and of Pilate in turn to give them respectful burial (Mk 6:29; 15:45–46).

* [6:19] Herodias: see note on Mt 14:3. (Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Gladyce Janky comments that Herod experienced what Ignatius called consolation: a pull toward the good, a desire to protect the prophet. But early stirrings of consolation do not make a disciple. Truth requires nurturing for it to take root and grow within the human heart. It asks for one faithful choice at a time, pushing aside impulses that lead to death instead of life.

When we contemplate this scene, we may feel appalled at the brutality. John’s death is senseless, cruel, and deeply unjust. Yet the Gospel does not present it as an ancient anomaly. It reveals how human beings behave when fear, pride, and the hunger for influence eclipse God’s voice. Acts of disregard for human life continue today. People still cling to power at any cost. Leaders still silence truth-tellers, protect their reputations through violence and exclusion, and respond with exaggerated indignation when their wrongdoing is exposed, insisting loudly on their innocence to preserve their public image.

Ignatian contemplation asks us to notice where we stand in this story. Are we tempted, like Herod, to protect our image rather than our integrity - choosing what is easy, not what is right? Are we tempted, like Herodias, to defend our position rather than open ourselves to conversion? Or are we called, like John, to speak truth with courage, even when it is costly? (Janky, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes The Weakness of the Tyrant and the Power of the Beheaded, by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)

"Note well the weakness of the tyrant compared to the power of the one in prison. Herod was not strong enough to silence his own tongue. Having opened it, he opened up countless other mouths in its place and with its help. As for John, he immediately inspired fear in Herod after his murder - for fear was disturbing Herod's conscience to such an extent that he believed John had been raised from the dead and was performing miracles (Mark 6:14-16)! In our own day and through all future time, throughout all the world, John continues to refute Herod, both through himself and through others. For each person repeatedly reading this Gospel says: 'It is not lawful for you to have the wife of Philip your brother' (Mark 6:18). And even apart from reading the Gospel, in assemblies and meetings at home or in the market, in every place... even to the very ends of the earth, you will hear this voice and see that righteous man even now still crying out, resounding loudly, reproving the evil of the tyrant. He will never be silenced nor the reproof at all weakened by the passing of time." (excerpt from ON THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD 22.8-9) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts today. In the text from the alternate first reading for today for today from First Corinthians, Paul addresses the arrogant and the proud and asserts that  God spoke to the poor and slaves, the ones with nothing to lose. The self-sufficient did not accept Christ. We should boast in the Lord and accept that everything we have is a gift. The  Gospel of Mark declares Herodias was illegally married to Herod. One day the dance of Solome generates a promise from Herod to do whatever she asks. Herodias hated John and sought John's head. The Baptist is a prophet on morality and the need to stand in the truth. Friar Jude notes our need to live faith where we perceive it is uncomfortable and speak the truth when appropriate.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 6:17-29 comments that Herod acknowledged that John was “a righteous and holy man” (Mark 6:20), and he liked to listen to him preach. But Herodias, Herod’s wife, hated John for having condemned their marriage as adulterous. So during Herod’s birthday celebration, she prompted her daughter to ask for the head of the Baptist.

Both in his life and his death, John showed himself to be a model disciple of Jesus. Even to the very end, when he was called to pay the ultimate price, he remained steadfast and faithful to the Lord. So as we commemorate his passion and death today, let’s seek to imitate him by fulfilling our call to announce that the kingdom is at hand!

“St. John the Baptist, pray for us!” (Meditation on Mark 6:17-29, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr introduces Buddhist teacher Tara Brach who tells a story to awaken us to the ways we confuse our true self with the masks we wear.

If we move through life trapped behind these masks, we miss out on connection and intimacy with our world. In relating to ourselves and others, we forget the awareness and love that animates our true being.

The blessing of remembering comes with mindful awareness as we witness the changing thoughts, feelings, and emotions that live through us. In the stillness and clarity of presence, we see our masks for what they are: temporary (and sometimes useful) personas but not our essential Being. And with presence we see past the masks of others to the consciousness looking out through their eyes, the tenderness residing in their hearts. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ask the Spirit to stir our experience of tyrants, who silence truth-tellers to protect their reputations through violence and exclusion, and who respond with exaggerated indignation as we seek the Wisdom to join the Way, as the Baptist shows, of Faith, Truth, and Love. 

References

Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved August 29, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-29-2026 

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved August 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/1?17 

Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6? 

Meditation on Mark 6:17-29. (2026, August 29). The Word Among Us. Retrieved August 29, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/08/29/1656334/ 

Psalms, PSALM 71 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved August 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/71?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). True Self and False Self: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 29, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/true-self-and-false-self-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Herod Feared John - a Righteous and Holy Man. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 29, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Passion and Prophecy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist, remind us to rely on Providence when our faith, plans, and passion are in conflict with modern modes of living.

Priest, Prophet, Leader

The CCCB lists this Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah that declares “They will fight against you, but not prevail over you”

The Book of Jeremiah combines history, biography, and prophecy. It portrays a nation in crisis and introduces the reader to an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances of the final days of the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah was born, perhaps about 650 B.C., of a priestly family from the village of Anathoth, two and a half miles northeast of Jerusalem. He was called to his task in the thirteenth year of King Josiah (Jer 1:2). Josiah’s reform, begun with enthusiasm and hope, ended with his death on the battlefield of Megiddo (609 B.C.) as he attempted to stop the northward march of the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco, who was going to provide assistance to the Assyrians who were in retreat before the Babylonians. (Jeremiah, THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH | USCCB, n.d.)

The USCCB lists a passage from 1 Thessalonians that presents Paul’s Instruction about Holiness in Sexual Contact.

* [4:2] Instructions: these include specific guidelines on the basis of the Lord’s authority, not necessarily sayings Jesus actually uttered. More profoundly, as 1 Thes 4:8 implies, the instructions are practical principles that Paul worked out in accordance with his understanding of the role of the Spirit.

* [4:3–8] Many think that this passage deals with a variety of moral regulations (fornication, adultery, sharp business practices). It can be more specifically interpreted as bringing general norms to bear on a specific problem, namely, marriage within degrees of consanguinity (as between uncle and niece) forbidden in Jewish law but allowed according to a Greek heiress law, which would insure retention of an inheritance within the family and perhaps thereby occasion divorce. In that case, “immorality” (1 Thes 4:3) should be rendered as “unlawful marriage” and “this matter” (1 Thes 4:6) as “a lawsuit.” The phrase in 1 Thes 4:4, “acquire a wife for himself,” has often been interpreted to mean “control one’s body.” (1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 97 is a hymn with God appearing in a storm.

* [Psalm 97] The hymn begins with God appearing in a storm, a traditional picture of some ancient Near Eastern gods (Ps 97:1–6); cf. Ps 18:8–16; Mi 1:3–4; Heb 3:3–15. Israel rejoices in the overthrowing of idol worshipers and their gods (Ps 97:7–9) and the rewarding of the faithful righteous (Ps 97:10–12). (Psalms, PSALM 97 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark describes the Death of John the Baptist.

* [6:17–29] Similarities are to be noted between Mark’s account of the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist in this pericope, and that of the passion of Jesus (Mk 15:1–47). Herod and Pilate, each in turn, acknowledges the holiness of life of one over whom he unjustly exercises the power of condemnation and death (Mk 6:26–27; 15:9–10, 14–15). The hatred of Herodias toward John parallels that of the Jewish leaders toward Jesus. After the deaths of John and of Jesus, well-disposed persons request the bodies of the victims of Herod and of Pilate in turn to give them respectful burial (Mk 6:29; 15:45–46).

* [6:19] Herodias: see note on Mt 14:3. (Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard encourages us to accept Ignatius’ invitation to imaginative, contemplative prayer.  “Using all of your senses, enter into this banquet scene and notice where you land and what you experience of the others and of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of all Truth and the cleanser of all fear.”

Where is the good news in this reading? I experience Herod as a sympathetic character.  In his heart he knows John to be a good and holy man.  Even though perplexed, Herod is drawn to John’s words .  Still, he is afraid of John. Out of fear Herod has John beheaded.  Was Herod afraid of what John could do to him if he was released?  Or was Herod more afraid of what his wife might do if he did not behead John?  Or was he most afraid of what his court, followers and citizens might do to him?  The battle of truth and fear.  How is it that we often instinctively recognize truth and yet cannot cleanse ourselves of fear.  The forever battle between truth and fear rages. (Blandin Howard, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “The Weakness of the Tyrant and the Power of the Beheaded,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)

"Note well the weakness of the tyrant compared to the power of the one in prison. Herod was not strong enough to silence his own tongue. Having opened it, he opened up countless other mouths in its place and with its help. As for John, he immediately inspired fear in Herod after his murder - for fear was disturbing Herod's conscience to such an extent that he believed John had been raised from the dead and was performing miracles (Mark 6:14-16)! In our own day and through all future time, throughout all the world, John continues to refute Herod, both through himself and through others. For each person repeatedly reading this Gospel says: 'It is not lawful for you to have the wife of Philip your brother' (Mark 6:18). And even apart from reading the Gospel, in assemblies and meetings at home or in the market, in every place... even to the very ends of the earth, you will hear this voice and see that righteous man even now still crying out, resounding loudly, reproving the evil of the tyrant. He will never be silenced nor the reproof at all weakened by the passing of time." (excerpt from ON THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD 22.8-9) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 6:17-29 comments that it wasn’t just John’s death that pointed to Jesus; his entire life served as a witness to him. His entire ministry was focused on making Jesus “known to Israel” (John 1:31). Everything he did—preaching repentance, baptizing people, and challenging those who abused their power—pointed to Jesus. Even today, he continues to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Luke 3:4).

How is John calling you to prepare the way for Jesus?

Wherever you are right now, consider how you can take one more step that will open your heart to Jesus more deeply. If you have felt lukewarm in prayer, remember that you have been baptized “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). If you are struggling with temptation or the call to deny yourself, ask the Lord to give you resolve. If you are too focused on your own desires, remember John’s profession: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). No matter how the Baptist’s witness touches you today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you follow the example of this hero and herald.

“St. John, forerunner of the Lord, pray that I may receive a double portion of your courage and conviction today!” (Meditation on Mark 6:17-29, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments the content of 1 Thessalonians turns to practical matters including being faithful in marriage. Paul shares that God would become the “goel” in times of abandonment.  Sexual morality was not strong in pagan religion; the gods were not good examples. We are called to integrity and fidelity. John the Baptist was martyred after declaring it was forbidden to marry a brother’s wife. Herod was both fascinated and afraid. Salome dances and initiates a promise and Herod gives in to her request. Herod is seen as a weak figure giving in to the request even as it meant the death of a “Man of God”. Friar Jude notes the location of numerous relics of John the Baptist in Europe where the benefit may be to bring us to prayer.

Fr. Richard Rohr introduces Camaldolese monk and songwriter Cyprian Consiglio who shares a memory of visiting Israel and Palestine. Consiglio finds himself changed by Rabbi Eli’s solidarity with the Palestinian people:  

My friends told me that when I came back from that trip to the Holy Land my preaching changed. It was more fiery, more “prophetic,” I suppose. I was fired up by the frustration and energized by the agitation that I felt witnessing up close a situation that was patently unsustainable and obviously unjust, but with no visible solution and no one with enough real moral authority to “fix” everything. And I think I felt like never before the challenge of being a follower of Jesus, and I glimpsed what a privileged position we Christians have there in the Holy Land as well as in the world at large, to stand in the breach between our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters and dare to preach love of our enemies, dare to believe that peace if possible, dare to take Jesus at his word. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the consolation of the Spirit when our actions to be disciples of Christ alienate us from the powers and principalities of the world.

References

Blandin Howard, J. (2025, August 29). Daily Reflection August 29, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-29-2025 

Jeremiah, THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/0 

Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6?17 

Meditation on Mark 6:17-29. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/08/29/1365059/ 

1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/4?1 

Psalms, PSALM 97 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/97?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/can-christians-be-makers-of-peace/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Herod Feared John - a Righteous and Holy Man. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=aug29a