August 2, St. Eusebius of Vercelli

Lord, in your great love, answer me.--Psalm 69:14

Mass readings: Jeremiah 26:11-16,24 / Matthew 14:1-12

Feeling Anger

Today's readings made me feel angry. The Gospel tells of the murder of John the Baptist. The prophet was beheaded because King Herod had been smitten by a dancing girl. The Old Testament reading recounts how the religious leaders of Israel wanted the prophet killed. Why? They didn't like what Jeremiah was saying. Then I looked up the saint for today: St. Eusebius of Vercelli (d. 371). He was a great bishop and scholar who worked hard to correct heresy. For his pains he was banished, imprisoned, tortured and dragged naked through the streets.

I let myself feel this anger for a time. These aren't just long-ago stories. They describe terrible injustices. Injustices are happening today. They anger God, and it's all right for us to feel some of this anger, too.

Prayer: Father, show me what I am to do to help bring justice to the world.