“Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip whom he had married. John had said to Herod ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ …Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody.” Mark 6:17-18, 20. St. John Paul II said, “We must defend the Truth, even if we are reduced to just twelve again.”

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, even today, people try to smother the Gospel, because they fear being exposed, they fear the truth. May we remember the courage of John the Baptist and remain faithful. He suffered because he followed the leading of the Holy Spirit within him. May we listen to the Holy Spirit within us and follow faithfully as St. John did. Amen. “Let your light shine!!” Be blessed. Larry.