LIVE IT TODAY: Friday, February 6, 2026 | Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Do not fear the cost of truth or the loss of approval; I am with you when you stand for what is right, even unto the end.
LIVE IT TODAY: Friday, February 6, 2026 | Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
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GOD’S DECLARATION TO YOU TODAY
Do not fear the cost of truth or the loss of approval; I am with you when you stand for what is right, even unto the end.
INVOCATION
Come, Holy Spirit! Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, open my heart to hear and receive all that You desire for me. Draw me ever more deeply into the Love and Life of the Blessed Trinity!
GOSPEL | 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.
EVERY DAY QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
Truth always threatens power when power is built on fear, pride, or compromise.
This Gospel exposes the anatomy of moral collapse. Herod knows John is righteous. He listens. He is intrigued. Yet knowledge without conversion becomes a torment rather than a guide. The Greek describes Herod as “perplexed,” divided within himself—wanting truth without repentance.
John’s courage is simple and uncompromising. He does not shout slogans or stage protests. He states a moral reality: “It is not lawful.” The word lawful is not personal opinion; it is rooted in God’s order. John stands as a living witness that truth is not negotiable, even when spoken to power.
Herodias embodies resentment toward truth. When conscience is silenced, it often returns as vengeance. The birthday banquet becomes a parody of celebration—pleasure masking decay. Oaths made to impress others trap Herod in a decision he knows is evil. Sin rarely begins with cruelty; it begins with cowardice.
This Gospel presses into modern family life. Parents face constant pressure to soften truth to keep peace, to avoid discomfort, to preserve approval. Children learn quickly whether truth is worth defending when it costs something. Silence forms consciences just as surely as speech.
Today’s memorial stands in luminous contrast. Saint Paul Miki and Companions proclaimed Christ publicly in Japan knowing it would cost them their lives. Nailed to crosses, they preached forgiveness and faith until their final breath. Where Herod preserved his image, the martyrs surrendered everything. Their witness declares that truth spoken in love is never wasted.
Here is the line to carry today: truth beheaded does not die; it multiplies. The Gospel advances not by compromise, but by courageous fidelity.
Parents, build saint-forming homes by naming truth clearly and living it consistently. Pray over your children by name, asking for courage that resists fear and clarity that rejects lies. Act in the power of the Holy Spirit, choosing faithfulness over approval, no matter the cost.
“Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith.” (CCC 2473)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
In My Heart: Where do I know the truth but hesitate to live or speak it fully?
In My Home: How do we model moral courage when truth is uncomfortable or costly?
In My World: Where is God asking me to resist compromise with fidelity and love?
FAMILY LIVE IT
Make some time today to gather together and, going around, name one truth from the Gospel that feels difficult to live right now.
Then pray aloud together. Ask for courage rooted in love, not anger. Pray over each person by name, asking that they know God’s personal love, be freed from fear of rejection and the Enemy’s lies, receive strength to overcome temptation, and live the Gospel with integrity and joy.
Daily Challenge: Speak one difficult truth today with charity and clarity, trusting God with the outcome.
DAILY PARENT & GRANDPARENT BLESSING
LORD JESUS CHRIST, let Your holy anointing be upon each of our children, grandchildren, and godchildren this day and week, including all to whom they are called in vocation, and all future generations! In Your Sacred Name we claim them for You! We renounce all whispers, lies, and influences of the Enemy! We pray right now that each know Your loving Presence, be forged in virtue, and be flooded with an abundance of Your Holy Spirit to live fully their identity and mission in You now and through all eternity, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother! Amen.
PARENT BLESSING PROJECT: bit.ly/ParentBlessing
GOING VERTICAL
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Just as the vertical beam upholds the horizontal beam of the Cross, so too does undistracted, dedicated daily turning to God as our lifeblood uphold and strengthen every part of life. Start with just three minutes. Wait patiently for the breakthrough beyond the noise. Let Him speak.
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