3M Reflection & Hymn - A Voice that Would not Yield (Mark 6: 14-29) скачать в хорошем качестве

3M Reflection & Hymn - A Voice that Would not Yield (Mark 6: 14-29)

A Voice that Would not Yield - Mark 6: 14-29 A Wk 4, Friday I do apologise about the poor quality of the images but I don't have the financial means to upgrade. (That is NOT a request for financial support.) 0:00 Begin 2:16 Reflection 4:30 Hymn A reflection on the Gospel of St Mark 6: 14-29 The story of John the Baptist’s death is unsettling, not because it is dramatic, but because it is disturbingly ordinary. No miracle interrupts the scene. No voice from heaven intervenes. Instead, we see fear, pride, and political convenience slowly close in on truth. Herod knows John is righteous. He listens to him “gladly,” yet remains paralysed by the opinions of others. His authority is hollow, his conscience divided. In the end, a rash promise and the pressure of an audience matter more than justice. John dies not because Herod hates him, but because Herod will not risk embarrassment. John’s fidelity stands in stark contrast. He does not shout for attention or seek martyrdom. He simply speaks the truth entrusted to him, even when it becomes dangerous. His courage is quiet and costly. In John, we see a life anchored not in approval or survival, but in obedience to God. This Gospel confronts us with uncomfortable questions. How often do we recognise truth, yet delay acting on it? How often do we silence our conscience because speaking would cost too much — reputation, comfort, security? Like Herod, we may admire integrity from a safe distance, but resist its demands on our lives. John’s death prepares the way for Jesus’ own Passion. It reminds us that faithfulness does not guarantee safety, but it does give meaning. God’s reign is not built through power plays or spectacle, but through steady witness, even when no one applauds. In a world where voices are easily manipulated and truth is frequently traded for convenience, John the Baptist stands as a necessary figure. He calls us back to moral courage, to integrity without compromise, and to a faith that speaks — not to dominate, but to remain faithful. Let us pray. Faithful God, you strengthened John the Baptist to speak truth without fear and to remain steadfast even when the cost was high. Give us hearts that listen to your voice and courage to follow where it leads. When we are tempted to remain silent, choose comfort over conscience, or trade truth for approval, remind us that faithfulness matters more than success. Shape us into people of integrity, who live honestly before you and one another. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn: A Voice That Would Not Yield Verse 1 A voice cried out where power stood, Unmoved by fear or threat or claim; It spoke the truth as God had willed, And would not bend, and would not feign. Chorus O Lord of truth, make strong our voice, When conscience calls, help us rejoice; Though faith may cost, still we will stand, Held fast within your faithful hand. Verse 2 The ruler listened, torn within, Drawn by the light yet bound by pride; He feared the cost of doing right, And let his fragile courage slide. Chorus O Lord of truth, make strong our voice, When conscience calls, help us rejoice; Though faith may cost, still we will stand, Held fast within your faithful hand. Verse 3 No sword can still the truth once spoken, No cell can cage God’s living word; The faithful voice may fall in silence, Yet still it echoes, still is heard. Chorus O Lord of truth, make strong our voice, When conscience calls, help us rejoice; Though faith may cost, still we will stand, Held fast within your faithful hand. Verse 4 O God, when truth demands our stand, And faith seems risky, sharp, and clear, Give us the strength to choose your way And trust your love, not human fear. Chorus O Lord of truth, make strong our voice, When conscience calls, help us rejoice; Though faith may cost, still we will stand, Held fast within your faithful hand.