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Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison
on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,
and kept him in custody.
When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,
yet he liked to listen to him.
She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,
gave a banquet for his courtiers,
his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.
Herodias’ own daughter came in
and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl,
“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”
He even swore many things to her,
“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,
even to half of my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother,
“What shall I ask for?”
She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”
The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,
“I want you to give me at once
on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.
So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders
to bring back his head.
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.
The girl in turn gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. The full readings of the day from the Lectionary are available here.
During my time in the ACE Teaching Fellows program, I often found myself reminding my middle school students, “The right decision is not always the popular decision.” Those words became a reminder for me as well. We live in a world that constantly tempts us to seek the approval of others rather than remain faithful to God’s truth.
Today’s gospel presents the moral challenge of choosing between fidelity to God’s commandments and giving in to fear or the pressure to please others. As disciples of Christ, we are called not only to proclaim the gospel but to witness to it with charity, compassion, and courage. Every day, we face decisions that reveal where our hearts truly lie.
John the Baptist is a powerful example of steadfast faith. Although he could have protected himself by remaining silent or compromising the truth, he chose instead to proclaim God’s law without fear. His faithfulness ultimately cost him his life, but it also revealed his complete trust in the Lord. As Catholics, we believe that John’s obedience led him to the eternal reward promised to those who remain faithful to God.
This gospel challenges each of us to be bold disciples of Christ. While most of us will never be asked to give our lives for the faith, we are called to make daily choices that reflect our love for God, even when they are unpopular or difficult. May we pray for the courage, humility, and steadfast faith of John the Baptist, trusting that every act of obedience brings us closer to the Lord.
Lord, the beheading of John the Baptist reflects how fear and truth-telling can lead to death and violence. May we have the courage to stand in your truth and speak life, love, and compassion. From the moment of conception until our last breath, life, as your gift, stands true. Touch those today with anger, revenge, or hatred for another person or a group. Let love and life win over fear, violence, and death. Open our eyes, ears, and hearts to see your Son and our brother Jesus in all, now and forever. Amen.
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Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC
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Avis Boyd
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Dr. Andrew McShane
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