Gospel of February 5, 2021 with the comment of Pope Francis

READING OF THE DAY
From the letter to the Jews
Heb 13,1-8

Brothers, brotherly love remains steadfast. Don't forget hospitality; some, practicing it, without knowing it have welcomed angels. Remember the prisoners, as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated, because you too have a body. Marriage is to be respected by all and the wedding bed to be spotless. Fornicators and adulterers will be judged by God.

Your conduct is without avarice; be satisfied with what you have, because God himself said: "I will not leave you and I will not abandon you". So we can confidently say:
«The Lord is my help, I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me? ».

Remember your leaders who have spoken the word of God to you. Considering carefully the final outcome of their life, imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!

GOSPEL OF THE DAY
From the Gospel according to Mark
Mc 6,14-29

At that time, King Herod heard about Jesus, because his name had become famous. It was said: "John the Baptist has risen from the dead and for this reason he has the power to work wonders". Others, on the other hand, said: "It's Elia." Still others said: "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets." But Herod, on hearing about it, said: "That John whom I had beheaded, is risen!"

Indeed, Herod himself had sent to arrest John and had put him in prison because of Herodias, wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. In fact, John said to Herod: "It is not lawful for you to keep your brother's wife with you."
This is why Herodias hated him and wanted to have him killed, but he could not, because Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and watched over him; in listening to him he was very perplexed, however he listened willingly.

But the auspicious day came, when Herod, for his birthday, gave a banquet for the highest officials of his court, the army officers and the notables of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias herself entered, she danced and pleased Herod and his guests. Then the king said to the girl, "Ask me what you want and I will give it to you." And he swore to her several times: «Whatever you ask me, I will give it to you, even if it is half of my kingdom». She went out and said to her mother: "What should I ask?" She replied: "The head of John the Baptist." And immediately, having rushed to the king, she made the request, saying: "I want you to give me now, on a platter, the head of John the Baptist." The king, becoming very sad, because of the oath and the diners did not want to refuse her.

And immediately the king sent a guard and ordered that John's head be brought to him. The guard went, beheaded him in prison and took his head on a tray, gave it to the girl and the girl gave it to her mother. When John's disciples learned of the fact, they came, took his body and placed it in a tomb.

WORDS OF THE HOLY FATHER
John consecrated all of himself to God and to his messenger, Jesus. But, in the end, what happened? He died for the cause of truth when he denounced the adultery of King Herod and Herodias. How many people pay dearly for the commitment to truth! How many righteous men prefer to go against the tide, in order not to deny the voice of conscience, the voice of truth! Straight people, who are not afraid to go against the grain! (Angelus of June 23, 2013