Gospel

Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus

and said to his servants, "This man is John the Baptist.

He has been raised from the dead;

that is why mighty powers are at work in him."

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison

on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,

for John had said to him,

"It is not lawful for you to have her."

Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,

for they regarded him as a prophet.

But at a birthday celebration for Herod,

the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests

and delighted Herod so much

that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.

Prompted by her mother, she said,

"Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."

The king was distressed,

but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,

he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.

His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,

who took it to her mother.

His disciples came and took away the corpse

and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

Reflection

Herod was drawn to John the Baptist because he spoke wisdom. He spoke the truth. And even though he was the one who possessed the authority to stop or to make this happen, he gave in. Didn't exercise his authority, but gave in to the anger and the hatred of his wife, for this man, John the Baptist. It's a frightening story of what happens when those in authority do not take seriously their responsibility.

Herod was not a good man, he was afraid and let something get in the way of his absolute God given power to protect the truth.

Closing Prayer

Father, you created a world in which you've given certain people responsibilities. It's so essential that they take seriously the responsibility of preserving in every situation that which is truthful, that which is real. That which has always been truthful. Bless our leaders. Bless the people in charge of all things, that they truly function as God has willed it to be. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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