Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the fourth week in ordinary time, February 6th, 2026, Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and friends, Martyrs

Delivered by Eva Glenn Robert from the Parish of Saint Augustine Kinarut in the Archdiocese of Kota Kibabalu Sabah, Malaysia. Sirach 47: 2-11; Rs psalm 18: 31.47.50.51; Mark 6: 14-29. OUR HEARTS SPEAK Our meditation today is entitled: Our Hearts Speak. Thereis a young man loved by three of his female friends. Each of them has the samedesire, namely to be married by that young man. In dilemma and not withstandconfusion any longer, he consulted his parents. His father and mother gave allthe necessary considerations. Then they gave their son all the freedom todecide. They believed in him. The mother said, "Listen to your heart, anddecide what the best option is for you." Generally we understand our conscience to be the truththat has high moral demands. The heart speaks is the final decision after goingthrough various considerations and analysis. Discussions, talks andconsultations are generally useful to provide enlightenment and widerunderstanding. We also often use corrections and criticisms to be necessary inputsto provide balance in discussion and proposed decision. In the end, thedecision will be the result of an honest and pure heart. We know that the heart speaks is the voice of ourconsciences. God chooses to dwell in our consciences. So when we think and feelcalmly, peacefully, positively and in moments of prayer, our consciences willcertainly carry out goodness, praise and gratitude to God, liberating truth,and joy that brings peace. On the other hand, if we are overwhelmed withhatred, anger, pride and lust, the our consciences will carry out evil and sin.Our hearts speak are highly dependent on our intentions, desires, and feelingsas human beings. Our readings today illustrate two examples of veryopposite speaking of consciences. The first is the heart of a believer,represented by King David. This is the profile of a believer who realizeshimself a sinner, but whose faith in God is steady. He believes in God's mercyto forgive, and he believes even more that his life is greatly protected andblessed by God. In turn, he will be a blessing and a channel of grace forothers. The second is the heart of an unbeliever and who livesin the law of jungle. This kind of life allows those who are strong andpowerful to kill those who are weak and bearers of truth. King Herod had awicked and sinful heart. There was no love and truth in his heart. His heartcommanded him to deceive instead of telling the truth, bring darkness ratherthan light, do chaos than peace, show hatred than love. Every evil intentionand deed is produced from the evil heart. We can ask ourselves in this way: is my current lifesituation, is it motivated by the speaking of a good and pure heart, or is it awrong and evil heart? Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord Jesus,purify our hearts so that we may continue to live in Your truth and alwayslistening to the whispers of our consciences. Our Father who art in heaven...In the name of the Father ...