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/ 

Mystery Patience and Change

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Third Sunday of Advent, invite us to embrace the Mystery that Advent anticipates of Jesus' invitation to full life.

Patient in the Mystery

The Reading from the Prophet Isaiah proclaims Israel’s Deliverance.

* [35:1–10] This chapter contains a number of themes similar to those in Deutero-Isaiah (chaps. 40–55), for example, the blossoming of the wilderness (vv. 1–2; cf. 41:18–19), which is now well-irrigated (v. 7; cf. 43:19–20); sight to the blind (vv. 5–6; cf. 42:7, 16); a highway in the wilderness (v. 8; cf. 41:3); and the return of the redeemed/ransomed to Zion (vv. 9–10; cf. 51:11). Nevertheless, it forms a unit with chap. 34 (see note on 34:1–35:10) and reflects, along with that chapter, themes found in chaps. 1–33. (“Isaiah, CHAPTER 35 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Psalm 146 declares there is no other source of strength except the merciful God.

* [Psalm 146] A hymn of someone who has learned there is no other source of strength except the merciful God. Only God, not mortal human beings (Ps 146:3–4), can help vulnerable and oppressed people (Ps 146:5–9). The first of the five hymns that conclude the Psalter. (“Psalms, PSALM 146 | USCCB,” n.d.)

The reading from the Letter of James alerts us to awareness of Patience and Oaths.

* [5:7–11] Those oppressed by the unjust rich are reminded of the need for patience, both in bearing the sufferings of human life (Jas 5:9) and in their expectation of the coming of the Lord. It is then that they will receive their reward (Jas 5:7–8, 10–11; cf. Heb 10:25; 1 Jn 2:18).

* [5:7] The early and the late rains: an expression related to the agricultural season in ancient Palestine (see Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24; Jl 2:23). (“James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB,” n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, messengers from the Baptist receive Jesus’ Testimony to John.*

* [11:2] In prison: see Mt 4:12; 14:1–12. The works of the Messiah: the deeds of Mt 8–9.

* [11:3] The question probably expresses a doubt of the Baptist that Jesus is the one who is to come (cf. Mal 3:1) because his mission has not been one of fiery judgment as John had expected (Mt 3:2).

* [11:5–6] Jesus’ response is taken from passages of Isaiah (Is 26:19; 29:18–19; 35:5–6; 61:1) that picture the time of salvation as marked by deeds such as those that Jesus is doing. The beatitude is a warning to the Baptist not to disbelieve because his expectations have not been met.

* [11:7–19] Jesus’ rebuke of John is counterbalanced by a reminder of the greatness of the Baptist’s function (Mt 11:7–15) that is followed by a complaint about those who have heeded neither John nor Jesus (Mt 11:16–19).

* [11:9–10] In common Jewish belief there had been no prophecy in Israel since the last of the Old Testament prophets, Malachi. The coming of a new prophet was eagerly awaited, and Jesus agrees that John was such. Yet he was more than a prophet, for he was the precursor of the one who would bring in the new and final age. The Old Testament quotation is a combination of Mal 3:1; Ex 23:20 with the significant change that the before me of Malachi becomes before you. The messenger now precedes not God, as in the original, but Jesus.

* [11:11] John’s preeminent greatness lies in his function of announcing the imminence of the kingdom (Mt 3:1). But to be in the kingdom is so great a privilege that the least who has it is greater than the Baptist. (“Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Rev. Kent Beausoleil, SJ, comments that Jesus recognizes that the real prophetic statement to everyone is not a choice between “Change or die.” But the real prophetic message, the one our soul longs for the most, is: change, let me into the manger of your heart, and find ever more life.

Rejoice in new found hope as you let me heal and transform you.  So we live on in hope.  Hope that time is passing and every day we are closer to that second coming.  The hope found in living as Christians offering mutual care, support, and the fight for justice, in a world still in many ways dark and despairing.  Hope in Jesus whose love was not of dominance but humble healing, liberation, and new life. 

Ultimately, the hope of Christ is the reign of divine love that we, with God make real here and now, but also the real and wondrous and exciting truth of even greater love to come.  O patient, waiting, and expectant hearts, may we too be prophets, for can we not feel it, can we not as we continue our advent journey to Christ Mass (Christmas) light, see the unfolding of the already, the clear promise of a heaven yet to come. (Beausoleil, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “John fulfills Elijah's prophetic ministry,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

"Jesus knew the mind of John who sent them, for he knew, as God knows, our inner thoughts. There he was, actively healing the blind, lame, and many others. He healed not to teach John, who was already convinced, but those who had come to him doubting. Having healed them he said, 'Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.' And then he added pointedly, 'And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.' By saying this Jesus implied that he knew even his questioners' unuttered thoughts. For if he had said simply 'I am he' this would have fallen short of overcoming their unstated sense of being offended. And it would have given fuel to some Jews who were already saying to him, 'You bear record of yourself' (John 8:13). Hence he answered nothing directly concerning his identity but left them to learn of it from the miracles, freeing what he taught from suspicion and making it plainer. Then Jesus gently chided them for being silently offended in him. He made their case for them, leaving it to their own conscience alone to judge, calling no witness of his reprimand other than they themselves who knew what they had been thinking. For it was of their own inward offense that he was thinking when he said, 'Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.' In this way Christ drew them all the more closely to himself." (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 36.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 11:2-11 asks “How can we make our hearts ready for him to come, both at Christmas and at the end of time?

Whatever is burdening you, now is the time to cry out to the Lord for healing! He wants you to live in freedom, not under a cloud of grief or resentment or complacency. Remember John’s message: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). God’s grace is at hand for you—today!

“Lord, search my heart and set me free!” (“Meditation on Matthew 11:2-11,” 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from Isaiah today is from 740-685 BCE and speaks of the restoration of the land to the splendor of Carmen and Sharon. God will be the vindication of Israel, the go’el who takes your part when no one else will. God continues to love us in spite of our behaviour. The reading tells us the farmer has patience for the harvest. We too need patience for the end time and to be what Jesus calls us to be. The early rains and the later rains mentioned by James may be an indication of the letter being written in Israel rather than elsewhere and later. In Matthew’s Gospel, John the Baptist asks through his disciples if Jesus is the one. Jesus cites works of wonder and speaks about John the Baptist who the people wanted to see as a prophet and noting that anyone in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater. Friar Jude notes that “Kingdom of Heaven” is an indication that the author of a revision of Matthew was done by a converted Pharisee. We dwell in the Kingdom by living in the Love and Law of Jesus.

Fr. Mike Schmitz highlights a secret to holiness visible in Paul’s ability to see his arduous trip to Rome as the will of God. He also clears up confusion in regards to Paul’s direction for wives to be subject to their husbands, again drawing our attention to our call to love and serve while being subject to each other out of reverence for Christ. Today’s readings are Acts 27, Ephesians 4-6, and Proverbs 29:22-24.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, teaches that awe is a foundational spiritual experience that keeps us open to the mystery of God.

I think Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn understood this when he wrote, “The Western system in its present state of spiritual exhaustion does not look attractive.” [2] It’s a telling judgment. The Western mind almost refuses to be in awe anymore. It’s only aware of what is wrong, and seemingly incapable of rejoicing in what is still good and true and beautiful. The surest way out of that trap is through a new imagination and new cosmology, often created by positive God-experience. Education, problem-solving, and rigid ideology are ultimately inadequate by themselves to create cosmic hope and meaning. Only great religion can do that, which is probably why Jesus spent so much of his ministry trying to reform religion. 

Healthy religion, which always makes space for Mystery, gives us a foundational sense of awe. It re-enchants an otherwise empty universe. It gives people a universal reverence toward all things. Only with such reverence do we find confidence and coherence. Only then does the world become a safe home. Then we can see the reflection of the divine image in the human, in the animal, in the entire natural world—which has now become inherently “supernatural.” [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

Fr. David Gierlach shares a sermon for the Third Sunday of Advent.

We trust the Spirit to fill our hearts with the hope that our faith and care for others will announce the joy and fullness of Life that Jesus shared with the disciples of the Baptist.

References

Beausoleil, K. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-december-14-2025 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 35 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/35?1 

James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/5?7 

Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?2 

Meditation on Matthew 11:2-11. (2025, December 14). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2025/12/14/1445473/ 

Psalms, PSALM 146 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/146?6 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/are-we-open-to-awe/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). They Shall Obtain Joy and Gladness. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/