Friday 7 February

Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs (M)

Ecclesiasticus 47:2-11; Psalm 18:31, 47, 50-51; Mark 6:14-29

Missionary steps!

Mass today commemorates 26 Japanese martyrs from the mid-16th century. Their deaths became seeds flowering to new faith in a land far from the first Christian proclamation. The gospel today recounts the beheading of John the Baptist which became the spark to set alight the missionary work of Jesus.

Our land is also far from where those first missionary steps were taken, and we too are called to witness. Step out today with a joyful spirit. Let your behaviour, your conversation and especially your smile, speak the love God has for everyone you meet.