Brief Background:

St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787) was an Italian bishop, theologian, and founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). Originally a successful lawyer, he left his legal career to dedicate his life to serving God and preaching the Gospel, especially to the poor and those neglected by society. Known for his compassion in the confessional and his profound spiritual writings, he was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1871. His works continue to inspire Catholics to trust in God's mercy and strive for holiness.

St. Alphonsus is the patron saint of moral theologians, Confessors, vocations and The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists)

REFLECTION:

Popularity is something many of us probably think about. Even if we don't admit it, there are moments when we wish people liked us more, agreed with us, or spoke well of us. We want to fit in, to be accepted, to avoid conflict. There's nothing wrong with wanting healthy relationships. The problem comes when our desire to be liked becomes greater than our desire to be faithful.

That is the contrast we see in today's readings.

Jeremiah stood before people who wanted him silenced. John the Baptist stood before a king who didn't want to hear the truth. Both could have softened their message. Both could have remained quiet. Instead, they chose faithfulness over popularity.

Herod, on the other hand, shows us the danger of living for the approval of others. The Gospel tells us that he knew John was a righteous and holy man. He even liked listening to him. Yet, because of the guests at his banquet and the promise he had publicly made, Herod ordered John's execution. He wasn't making a decision based on what was right but on how he would appear before others. His reputation mattered more than his conscience.

How often do we find ourselves in a similar position? Maybe we stay silent when someone is being treated unfairly because we don't want to stand out. Maybe we compromise our values so others will accept us. Maybe we worry more about the opinions of family, friends, or coworkers than about what God thinks.

St. Alphonsus Liguori reminds us, "He who trusts himself is lost. He who trusts God can do all things." Jeremiah and John were able to stand firm because their confidence wasn't in themselves or in public approval. Their confidence was in God.

At the end of our lives, people will not ask how popular we were, how many people agreed with us, or how many followers we had. The Lord will ask one simple question: Were you faithful?

Popularity fades. Opinions change. Crowds are fickle. But faithfulness to God lasts forever. May we have the courage, like Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and St. Alphonsus Liguori, to seek God's approval above all else.