Gospel Reading: Mk 6:17-29
How do we react when someone points out our sins and failings? Usually not very well! When someone tells us that we are doing something wrong, we often become defensive and angry. Our ego is offended, and because of our pride we try to justify ourselves. We attack the other person and belittle them. This is what happened with Saint John the Baptist. He challenged Herod and Herodias for their adulterous relationship. So Herod imprisoned John in order to silence him, and eventually he put him to death. This is an extreme example of what we human beings are capable of when we react with pride rather than with humility.
In our own lives, when someone challenges us or points out a fault, we should receive the critique with humility, and bring it to the Lord in prayer. We should ask the Lord about what the person has said. And we should ask other people who know us well. Is there any truth to it? Do we need to repent, apologize, or improve in any way? Often the answer will be yes. Sometimes the answer will be no. But the important thing is to react with humility rather than with pride. Rather than silencing our enemies, like Herod and Herodias did with John the Baptist, let us humbly receive the critiques of others and bring them to the Lord in prayer. If we are open and sincere, He will help us to discern the truth.
May we be inspired and challenged by God’s own humility. The God of the universe took on human flesh, allowed Himself to be put to death by human hands, and continues to become present under the appearance of bread and wine at every Mass, all without any threat to His divine status, without any reaction from a wounded ego.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine.
Total Surrender 
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