The Church is not just a visible place of worship, but the body of Christ; a gathering of the entire faithful, united under one head, Christ Jesus. Thus, even as we celebrate the optional memorial of the dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome today, the emphasis is not on the building as much as it is on the strength and faith of the faithful. The Church exists in order to call and lead people back to God. Thus, foreshadowing the prophetic role of a persecuted church, John the Baptist, wore the martyrs crown in today’s gospel, for being courageous enough to tell Herod to stop his adulterous relationship with Herodias, his brother’s wife. As members of the Church, we are called to courageously speak out against the injustices and immoralities that are defacing our world. We are encouraged to hearken to the voice of the Church, as it challenges us daily to desist from evil ways and live fully in the light of Christ.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to be docile and receptive to your words which I hear daily through the ministry of your priests and grant me the grace to put them to practice. Amen