Hebrews 13: 1-8, today’s first reading, offers us a primer on living the Christian life. Read it again and again, and strive to live out the message. More in a sec. The Gospel reading from Mark 6 is the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. It is a sordid tale of a promise that should never have been made, and a man who found it more important to save face than to do the right thing.
I won’t go through all the precepts today in Hebrews 13. I’ll trust that you will read it. You certainly won’t be sorry! But I will share the last verse of today’s reading: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Of course He is. But what could that mean? Here’s what I think. (And remember…you get what you pay for!) 
Many people want to change what they say are the teachings of Christ to conform with societal whims. We see it all the time, even in many ecclesial communities. Let’s take contraception, for instance. Before 1930, every Christian denomination denounced this practice. So what happened in 1930? Did Jesus change His mind? And if so, why didn’t everyone get the memo? If Hebrews 13:8 is true, why did so many abandon this teaching? How about abortion? Traditional marriage? The list goes on and on. It strikes me that the one Church that has held the line, that has truly practiced Hebrews 13:8 is the Catholic Church. Food for thought…
Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Give us the grace to always be true to His teachings. Amen.
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