Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 6,2026

Date: Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

Scripture Text:   Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”

Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.

Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.”

She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So, he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading recounts John the Baptist’s martyrdom.  A key take away from the reading is the cost of speaking truth to power. It is a reminder to us that following in Jesus’ footsteps as his modern-day disciples requires courage.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I have the courage I need to live as Christ calls us to live and to proclaim Christ’s truth to others?

Praying:

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the heart and mind of your faithful servant and inflame them with the fire of your divine love. Open my mind and heart to your Word. Help me to comprehend the wisdom You spread before me as well as the love You shower upon me.  Assist me in discerning your will for me and strengthen my resolve so that I might live fully the life you are calling me to live in You, with You, and through You. Amen