GOSPEL POWER |FEBRUARY 5, 2021

FRIDAY |SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR

4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gospel: MK: 6: 14-29

King Herod heard of Jesus for his name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him,

he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias* came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately * the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and

laid it in a tomb.

Reflection

Herod’s story may be read from the perspective of how God reaches out to a sinner by putting the person in touch with people who can indicate the way to salvation. John the Baptist played the role of conscience to Herod. The perplexity and delight Herod felt when listening to John could have been his way out of the dead-end situation of sin, if only he took those movements of the heart seriously. Even as Herod lost that chance when he silenced God’s prophet forever, a new avenue was opened up for him when news about Jesus reached his ears. The Gospel does not pursue the story any further, but it leaves us with a vibrant hope that God never gives up on hardened sinners.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you yourself are our pledge that God will never leave us to perish in our sinfulness. Amen.