Today the Lord invites us to reflect on our hearts, on what truly matters in our life of faith. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus rebukes these Pharisees for neglecting God's will! In this passage, Jesus does not condemn traditions in themselves. Traditions are like the roots of our identity: they bind us to our history, our culture, our community. Let us think of our family celebrations, the prayers passed down from our grandparents, the rituals that make us feel part of something greater. They are beautiful, they are human, and they often comfort us. But Jesus tenderly warns us: be careful not to turn them into idols! They cannot be our salvation if they are not rooted in God's commandments. It is convenient, as we said at the beginning, to cling to them like a secure anchor, but if they ignore the Father's will, they become empty, hypocritical, far from the heart.

Jesus lovingly exhorts us: let your light shine before others, through good works, so that they may glorify the Father. Let us reflect on our families, our jobs, our neighborhoods: a smile to those who are alone, a helping hand to those in need, a word of encouragement. This is how we become resplendent in the divine Light, consistent with our faith. Not for human applause, but to show God's goodness. So, brothers and sisters, my friends, today God calls us to this awareness: the Christian life is an adventure of light and flavor, of charity and mercy. We must not be afraid to be ourselves, weak but loved. Let us try to "break bread" with someone, that is, a concrete gesture of love, and we will see how our faith is revived, how God's goodness becomes certainty in our hearts. May the Lord bless us and make us shine for the world!

Jesus has just shown the disciples what the evangelical mission means. They had returned by talking about what they had accomplished, but Jesus takes them further, teaching by example that true mission knows no rest. Even when the body cries out for rest, compassion makes all weariness disappear. This is not an invitation to masochism, no, dear friends and brothers: it is love that transforms tiredness into energy, sacrifice into joy. Jesus begins to teach them many things, because he sees in that crowd not a nuisance, but daughters and sons of God, lost and thirsty. And what about us today? In this frenetic world, where we all rush to fulfill a thousand commitments, where rest seems like a luxury, what does this Word tell us? It reminds us that Jesus' compassion is contagious. Perhaps you too, like me, have moments when you just want to unplug: after a day of work, family, or volunteering. But then a phone call comes from a friend in need, a neighbor in need, a person in need who knocks on the door of our heart.

John the Baptist emerges as a shining light, a model of absolute fidelity to God. He is not an action-movie hero, but a simple man, dressed in camel's hair, who lives in the desert and proclaims conversion. His life is a total "yes" to divine will, even when it costs dearly. Here it is: John is not afraid to speak the truth, even to a king. He seeks no compromise, he does not hide. He is the forerunner of Jesus, and his death prefigures the cross of the Lord. In him we see that true strength lies not in swords or palaces, but in spiritual courage, in saying "here I am" to God, whatever the cost. Herod, however, reflects our own frailties. How often do we find ourselves like him? Perhaps not by beheading prophets, but by betraying our values ​​for a moment's approval, to avoid losing face in front of others, or for a passing whim? Herod "listened willingly" to John, and perhaps in his heart there was a seed of conversion. But that seed is suffocated by pride, fear, and the wine of the feast. It is a gentle yet profound invitation to examine our lives: where are we listening to God's voice, but then silence it for convenience? Where does our conscience prickle us, like Herod's, reminding us that Jesus is "risen" in our days, calling us to a new life?

Today's Gospel, taken from Saint Mark the Evangelist, presents Jesus calling the Twelve and sending them out two by two, confirming them as evangelizers and sending them out to bring the joy of the Kingdom of God. Jesus "called the Twelve to him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits." Here we see the heart of the mission: it is not a solitary undertaking, but a communal one. Jesus does not send his disciples out alone, because he knows that evangelization is a shared journey, supported by brotherhood. Just as Saint Agatha found strength in the community of believers during her persecutions, so we are called to walk together, to support one another in proclaiming the Gospel. And what power does he give them? Over unclean spirits, a symbol of all that oppresses humanity: sin, illness, injustice. Jesus confirms us as evangelizers not for earthly power, but to liberate, heal, and reconcile