July 31, 2021 Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time-B ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, PRIEST      

Leviticus 25:1, 8-17

Psalm 67

Matthew 14:1-12

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison…Mt. 14:3

Lord, you sent John the Baptist to speak your word to your people. The message of repentance and change carries risk to the one who speaks. John paid the price for being the herald of the good news of repentance and mercy. You were executed because you “rocked the boat” of the establishment and threatened their authority over the people. The will of God often clashes with the will of man. I thank you for giving holy men and women over the ages the courage to speak your will to us. I seek your will for me, dear Jesus. It may be uncomfortable at first when you urge me to leave my comfort zone and embrace what is right and true. Where does my will clash with yours? Show me today, Lord, where I can more fully live the abundant life you offer. And give me the grace of holy courage to never “go with the flow” of this world. May I slow down and listen to the soft, quiet voice of the Spirit which you gave me at my Baptism.  St. John the Baptist and St. Ignatius pray for us.  Amen.