August 03, 2013 yesterday - 7:00 PM Gospel: Mt 14:1–12 -On one occasion the news about Jesus reached King Herod. And he said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. John has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” Herod had, in fact, ordered that John be arrested, bound in chains and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. For John had said to him, “It is not right for you to have her as wife.” Herod wanted to kill him but he did not dare, because he feared the people who regarded John as a prophet. On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst of the guests; she so delighted Herod that he promised under oath to give her anything she asked. The girl, following the advice of her mother, said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a dish.” The king was very displeased, but because he had made this promise under oath in the presence of the guests, he ordered it to be given her. So he had John beheaded in prison and his head brought on a dish and given to the girl. The girl then took it to her mother. Then John’s disciples came to take his body and bury it. And they went to bring the news to Jesus. Reflection: Herod and John are men of contrasting characteristics. They could not have been more different from each other. Herod lived in opulence, consumed by worldliness. John lived in freely chosen poverty and austerity, far away from worldly ways. Herod had external command over the army and people. John had spiritual command over them. Herod had no genuine character or authenticity—he copied the desires and fears of others, as is evident in his fear of his own people and his willingness to bend over backwards to please others. John had convictions and ideals that defined his life, and his radical commitment to truth would cost him his life. John lived and died in an inner freedom that no one could take away. Herod lived in fear with many nightmares from his wrongdoings. Who do I resemble more in my daily life—Herod or John the Baptist?
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 21:31:42 +0000
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