February 6, 2026, Friday of the 4th week even
H o m i l y
Dear Brothers,
Since the beginning of the Ordinary Time, in our ferial lectionary, the first reading has generally been taken from the Second Book of Samuel, presenting to us all the leaders that the Lord gave to Israël. It was, first, the prophet Samuel, then king Saul and finally king David. The longest part was about David, who was a sinner who was able to repent and receive God’s mercy. He was also someone who could be merciful and pardon to whomever had offended him. We saw, several days ago how merciful he was towards Saul when he found him in a grotto and could easily have killed him. Likewise two days ago, we saw how he could forgive the madman Shimei, of the family of Saul, who followed him along the road, hurling at him insults, dust and stones.
Then, in the Gospel reading, we have followed Jesus in the first stages of his ministry, according with the Gospel of Mark. There were many turning points in this short period of Jesus’ life. The most important one was when he left his village and came to be baptized by John the Baptist. Then, there was the choice of his disciples, the 40 days in the desert and the return to Galilee. Yesterday, we had the mission of the Twelve, sent two by two, to manifest mercy to the people. In today’s Gospel reading, there is another important turning point : John the Baptist’s beheading. After that, it will be a continuous war between Jesus, and Chiefs of the People, especially the Pharisees, leading to Jesus’ death on the Cross.
The example of John the Baptist is very important for us monks. We know that the first meaning of the Greek word monachos, which we translate by monk, is the person who has only one goal, only one love, and who organize all his life around that one important thing. John is the supreme example of such a oneness of spirit, of such a simplicity. He exists for only one thing : to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus. When Jesus is there, he may disappear. He is a free man. Totally free. He can be bold towards everyone, because he has nothing to lose. He is attached to nothing. The Epistles of the Hebrew speaks of those who spend their life in bondage, that is, as slaves, because of the fear of death. John does not fear death. Therefore he is free.
Let us ask the Lord for the grace of such a freedom, such a simplicity of hearth, that will allow us to be honest and bold, with ourselves, with God, with others, happen what may happen! We will probably not be beheaded, like John. But suppose we are ! It is worth the price.
And we celebrate today the memorial of the Japanese Martyrs, saint Paul Miki and his Companions.
Armand Veilleux