August 29, 2018 Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time-B THE PASSION OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18

Psalm 128

Mark 6:17-29

…a righteous and holy man… Mk. 6:20

Lord, thank you for giving us the example of this “righteous and holy man” John the Baptist.  He was a faithful partner for you as he prepared the people for you by calling them to repentance.  Not avoiding controversy, he even took on the king for his immorality.  It would have been a lot easier and safer for John to just turn the other way and ignore the problem.  Likely he knew that pointing out the king’s sin would get him into hot water.  Lord, there is so much injustice, immorality and sin around us today that it’s hard to know where to start or what to do.  There is so much political and corporate corruption, dishonesty in business, abuse and cruelty to children, religious persecution, and violence against the innocent and on and on.  It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless.  You provided the grace to John to stand strong against evil. Give that same grace to me to make a difference in my world.  I may be only one voice, one vote, one protest but that is the call.  Help me not to fear but to live with the hope that through me you will build your kingdom on earth.  Amen.