Ostium Catholic

Jeremiah stands before the princes and says: as for me, I am in your hands. Do with me what seems right and good. He has said the true thing with no guarantee of what comes next. What comes next is Ahikam, who protects him - but Jeremiah does not know that when he speaks. He just opens himself to the consequence of the truth and waits.

Herod, in the Gospel, does the opposite. He knows what is right. He is distressed precisely because he knows. And with the guests watching and the oath spoken, he chooses the room over his conscience.

John's disciples bury their teacher and go and tell Jesus. They don't know what comes next either. There is no plan announced, no next move. The grief is brought to the one who can receive it, and the Gospel leaves them there.

August begins today under the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Ignatian language for what she practiced is consolation without cause - the peace that comes not from circumstances but from proximity to God. She brought everything to Jesus before she understood it. That is the practice this month holds out.

The early adult years have their own version of Herod's problem: making decisions in front of audiences that distort the choice. The question Jeremiah models is simpler and harder: what is true? Say that, regardless of the room.

Where are you currently making a decision or avoiding one because of who is watching? Name the audience that is shaping the choice. Then name what you would do if only Jesus was in the room.

Lord, I am in your hands. Do with me what seems right to you. And when I am carrying something I don't understand yet, let me go and tell you before I wait to understand it first. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Amen.