August 29, Martyrdom St. John the Baptist

I will sing your salvation.--Psalm 71:(see 15)

Mass readings: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 / Mark 6:17-29

The Message of the Cross

Today's first reading is startling. While it makes us think, it tells us that thinking will only get us so far.

''Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?'' St. Paul asks and then points out that the most important truths are that Jesus Christ is God made man, and that the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross overcome sin and restore us to friendship with God. Human wisdom didn't grasp this. God had to reveal it. And once it's revealed, it's hard to accept. The Good News of salvation is summed up in ''the message of the cross.'' The Cross of Christ makes no sense to the philosophers and the sages. We need faith to penetrate this mystery and faith, like salvation itself, is a gift from God.

Prayer: Father, increase my faith. Open the eyes of my heart to You.