STEP #1: LECTIO / READToday's Reading is the Gospel: STEP #2: MEDITATIO / MEDITATE“The head of John the Baptist.” Whenever I hear those words, I shudder. It sounds like a line from the mouth of an evil villain in a superhero movie. John the Baptist was a revolutionary; from his birth, he was meant to proclaim Jesus Christ. He shook up society and prepared them for the start of Jesus’s public ministry. People thought he was the Messiah, but John the Baptist always pointed them towards Christ. Some of his followers became the very first Christians! Herod became very challenged by John’s growth in popularity after John baptized Jesus in the Jordan. However, John the Baptist never felt challenged or scared by King Herod. In fact, we can see in our gospel reading today that John even admonished Herod by saying it was wrong to marry his brother’s wife. John the Baptist was not scared because he knew his true home was not on this Earth. He didn’t want approval of earthly leaders or any recognition, but he always pointed everyone around him to Jesus Christ. If that meant being unpopular in the eyes of the world, so be it. John the Baptist’s true courage has always been inspiring to me. How can I be more like him in the world today? At college, I occasionally have to deal with professors who say things that are against Church teaching. Maybe next time, I can courageously speak up in defense like John the Baptist instead of cowering in the back row behind my laptop screen as I’m taking notes. Make yourself knowledgeable about our Lord and the beliefs we hold as Catholics and defend our Church as best as you can. We truly are bearers of the One, Holy, and Apostolic faith! STEP #3: ORATIO / PRAYLord, how can I practice courageous faith in order to proclaim your Kingdom on Earth? Jesus, who am I in your eyes? Is there anyone in my life that I could tell about Jesus today? STEP #4: CONTEMPLATIO / CONTEMPLATEHoly Spirit, give me courage and wisdom. Jesus, I trust in you. St. John the Baptist, pray for us FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAY...If you have time today, read the Nicene Creed. We say it so fast in Mass that we don't truly know the words it possesses! Believe the tradition that has been passed down for over two thousand years. SMARTPHONE LOCK SCREEN  Today's prayer was prepared by Sarah Lundgren.
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