Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs
Friday of week 4 in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Mark 6:14-29
In today’s Gospel, the tragic beheading of John the Baptist exposes how seemingly small, selfish desires can grow into grave spiritual violence. Herod does not initially seek John’s death, yet his fear of others, his pride, and his desire to save face gradually close his heart to truth. What begins as a careless promise, ends with the silencing of a prophetic voice. This is the deeper meaning of the Gospel: every selfish wish that refuses conversion, every desire that protects comfort over conscience, becomes, spiritually, a request for the head of John the Baptist. It is a decision to remove the voice that calls us to repentance so that we may remain undisturbed. The martyrs Paul Miki and his companions stand in sharp contrast, choosing fidelity to Christ over self-preservation. Their witness challenges us to ask whether our daily choices make room for Christ’s truth, or whether, quietly and politely, we are closing the door to Him to preserve our own interests. Let’s reflect: Which selfish desire or fear in my life is silently pushing away the truth of Christ and asking me to silence the voice that calls me to conversion?
Don Giorgio