"Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact."

Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Leviticus 25:1, 8-17

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8

M atthew 14:1-12  At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; (2) and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." (3) For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; (4) because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." (5) And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. (6) But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Hero'di-as danced before the company, and pleased Herod, (7) so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. (8) Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." (9) And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; (10) he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, (11) and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. (12) And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. 

* Meditation by Isabelle Cherney

I am working in Switzerland this summer, and today is the day when the Swiss celebrate their independence from the Habsburg in 1291. It is the Swiss national holiday. It is customary for inhabitants of every village to sit around a large bonfire and watch the fireworks. Children carry with them candle-lit lanterns and walk through the village. Food, drinks, and traditional music keep everyone merry. This celebration reminds me of today’s first reading.

We read about the Day of Atonement, a special day of celebration. The trumpet resounds to remind the people of the “liberty in the land for all its inhabitants.” It is a time when all people shall return home to their roots and family. It is a time of fasting and forgiving. In today’s society, we tend to celebrate holidays by gathering around to eat and drink together. These readings remind me that I should take the time to gather with family and friends and celebrate their and God’s presence in our lives.

Matthew’s gospel tells the story of John the Baptist’s beheading. The reasons for this barbaric action appear outlandish.  John the Baptist disapproved of Herod’s divorce from his wife and unlawfully taking his brother’s wife. John the Baptist did not change his message to accommodate Herod, but rather he was willing to be imprisoned for being true to God’s word. A drunken Herod ordered to have John the Baptist beheaded because he promised to give Herodias’ daughter anything she wanted. Herod was weak. He succumbed to temptation. He became a vehicle for vengeance. His weaknesses led to the death of a pious man. It is easy for us to judge, but how often have we succumbed to our weaknesses?

Today, I pray that God will give me strength to work on my weaknesses.

* Supplementary Reading

Integrity is a Hard-won Achievement by  John C. Maxwell

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value persons who speak what is right. - Proverbs 16:13

I ntegrity is not a given factor in everyone's life. It is a result of self-discipline, inner trust, and a decision to be relentlessly honest in all situations in our lives. Unfortunately, in today's world, strength of character is a rare commodity. As a result, we have few contemporary models of integrity. Our culture has produced a few enduring heroes, few models of virtue. We have become a nation of imitators, but there are few leaders worth imitating.

The meaning of integrity has been eroded. Drop the word into conversations in Hollywood , on Wall Street, even on Main Street , and you'll get blank stares in return. For most Americans, the word conjures up ideas of prudishness or narrow-mindedness. In an age when the meanings of words are manipulated, foundational values such as integrity can be pulverized overnight.

Integrity is antithetical to the spirit of our age. The overarching philosophy of life that guides our culture revolves around a materialistic, consumer mentality. The craving need of the moment supersedes consideration of values that have eternal significance.

Billy Graham said, "Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact."

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Are you willing to be a person of integrity at all costs?

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