Week beginning: 2nd August, 2026.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, after hearing the death of Jean Baptist, Jesus withdrew in a boat to a desolate place to pray and to grieve over the death of John the Baptist. With the death of the latter, Jesus has lost a cousin, a friend and the one who baptised Him and pointed Him out as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”
In withdrawing, Jesus wanted to spend some time alone after being affected by the death of John the Baptist who was executed by King Herod. But when He saw a large crowd, He knew what John the Baptist would have wanted Him to do. So, He took pity on them, healed the sick and even fed the crowd. As we think about all this, let us also remember our departed loved ones.
We may have fond memories of them, we may have regrets, we may be carrying a legacy that they have left behind. But one thing for sure is that our relationships with them have not passed on. Rather their memory lives on in our hearts.
Therefore, if John the Baptist was an inspiration for Jesus, then our departed loved ones are also signs and directions for us as to how to live our lives here on earth.
May we live our lives joyfully, peacefully, fruitfully and meaningfully, so that we will serve God faithfully, and be signs and directions and inspiration for others.
Please find the link to this week’s Newsletter below:
