By David Peter csc –
Readings: Sir 47: 2-11; Mk 6: 14- 29
Today we commemorate the great saint and a zealous missionary to India, St. John de Britto. His life faithfully reflects the life of our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, for it was a life of service unto death. The first reading of the day is a call to give thanks to God for his goodness. We see the gratefulness of King David towards God, even though he was great among the people, he humbled himself before God. Let us have David as an example in giving thanks in all circumstances of our life.
The gospel and the saint of the day have a close relation. In the gospel we find John the Baptist being beheaded for his honesty and just action. St. John de Britto was beheaded for his missionary work of bearing witness and proclaiming Christ among the unknown. Today, like him, I find the prophet of the modern times, Fr. Stan Swamy who had fought and stood on the side of the tribal people, as a voice to the voiceless.
It is an invitation for all of us to bear witness to Christ. Bearing witness to Christ at times may put us to shame, insult, or humiliation; but are we ready to face them for the sake of Christ? It is a great challenge to be a bearer of love and service to humanity amidst the social evils, challenges, and struggles. Are we ready to go forward carrying the cross for the glory of Jesus even to the point of death? If not, let us seek the grace of God, that we may be courageous in bearing true witness to humanity even at the point of death.