Sometimes the truth hurts! Those who challenge the complacency or misconduct of others never have an easy task - just think of those who have preached tolerance or liberation, or those who have challenged injustice and racism. Often death seems to be their reward. Jeremiah has a task to fulfil - to rouse people from their stupor, to open their minds and hearts, thereby avoiding the disaster that is coming their way. Perhaps we can learn to listen without anger to criticism, carefully weighing it in our minds and hearts to see if there is indeed any truth that can help us. A truly wise person learns from all different sources, even from his or her enemies!

Rashly spoken words can come back to haunt us. In a weak moment, Herod uttered a fateful promise that his twisted sense of honour will not allow him to break. He knows that John is a holy man, and he does not wish to do him harm. But fearing shame and embarrassment, he does what he knows to be wrong. Most of the time, we know what is right and wrong. Often, however, we allow the pressure of others' opinions or our fear of loss of face to influence our actions. Only later do we realize we have dishonoured ourselves. Let us listen to the inner voice of the spirit of God in our hearts, knowing that the strength will come to do the right thing. We need not ever fear if we follow the voice of God.