From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Jan/Feb/Mar 2026)

St. Paul Miki and Companions

Sirach 47:2-11 + Psalm 18:31, 47, 50-51 + Mark 6:14-29

How Are We Living Our Faith?

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man… Mark 6:20

Herod was fascinated by John. He had heard him speak and, although perplexed, “he liked to listen to him” (v. 20). He feared John, too, “knowing him to be a righteous and holy man” (v. 20). Why is Herod so fascinated yet also fearful? Did Herod envy John’s popularity with the people? Tyrants are seldom really popular. Did he admire John’s courage to confront him, the king, face-to-face? Or did he sense that John’s righteousness, that is his goodness and integrity, gave John a power Herod would never know? After all. Herod’s power was achieved through intimidation and brute force.

Herod’s attitude toward John raises some good questions for us. Is the way we live our faith capable or arousing fascination in others? Do our attempts of loving God and others give us a hidden power? Does the way we relate to God make God attractive for others?

Gracious God, I thank you for people of goodness and love who encourage my efforts to live my faith with integrity and joy.

□ Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.