Daily Gospel Reflection
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August 5, 2023
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.
Growing up, I was often mistaken for my older sister. I didn’t mind though because she paved the way for me. Friends were made more quickly. I followed her lead and was active in student council, sports, and even some of the same jobs.
I expect John the Baptist and Jesus were often mistaken for each other. Most likely, John the Baptist was similar to Jesus in appearance (they were cousins, after all). They were certainly similar in mission as they went about preaching and attracted many followers. John the Baptist reflected God’s light so well that some were unsure who to follow, John or Jesus.
“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.” Herod was clearly confused. He thought Jesus was John raised from the dead. I recently told my children that John the Baptist was the perfect decoy.
Two questions arise in my heart as I read today’s gospel: How well do I reflect the face of Jesus, and who reflects the face of Jesus to me?
To reflect Jesus’ face is a daunting but not impossible task. I know many people who shine with the light of Christ. I affectionately call one ‘Jesus Face.’ These beautiful Christians all have an active prayer life and a genuine concern for others. Many of them frequent eucharistic adoration and daily Mass.
Carlo Acutis once said, “When we face the sun, we get a tan, but when we stand before Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.” St. John the Baptist, intercede for us. Help us reflect Jesus’ face in a world desperately needing God’s light and love.
Prayer
When you walked the earth, Lord, there was the same kind of violence we see in our day. Violent men threw John into prison and raged against the kingdom you were establishing. Help us counteract the violence of our time by being men and women who try to advance your kingdom of peace. Amen.