Daily Gospel Reflection
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July 30, 2022
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.
John the Baptist saw a wrong in Herod’s life and pointed out that he should not be in a relationship with his brother’s wife. Did John understand that speaking up might cost him his life? Did Herod realize the psychological pain of his human dilemma?
The gospel uses the word “distressed.” It is possible that if not influenced by his wife, Herod would not have put John to death. Herod naturally feared that his position of power would be compromised if he acted against public opinion. However, he then foolishly tried to please a small group of close friends and family to stay in their favor. Basing one’s self-worth entirely on the opinion of others is a fickle business.
Today, we may be called, like John the Baptist, to take stand within our families, friends, communities, and country. Whenever we choose to be vocal about wrongdoing, there is a real risk we will be shunned, sued, or the subject of gossip and public ridicule. In the extreme, some will pay with their physical well-being.
Can you think of a time when choosing to speak or act out for the right thing cost you? When it happens, remember John the Baptist and Herod.
Let us ask the Lord for the grace to know right from wrong and the strength to sustain ourselves through the consequences of doing the right thing, whether in guiding our families in Christ, standing for life, or making good choices in our leaders. Let us remember we are in this world for a short time. May our earthly lives be spent wisely for heavenly pursuits.
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.