Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

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.
The Gospel of the Lord.

The Mass intention is for Michael P.
Reflection:

St John the Baptist is the patron saint of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (Manila, Philippines) where I completed my primary and secondary education. It is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year. As a student, I would occasionally attend the Morning Prayer and Mass at the chapel. After Communion, the “Benedictus” (Luke 1:68-79) is recited by everyone. A few lines come to mind today: “As for you little child, you shall be called a prophet of God, the Most High. You shall go ahead of the Lord to prepare His ways before Him. To make known to His people their salvation through forgiveness of all their sins”. These words, spoken by Zechariah when John the Baptist was circumcised, foretells the role of his son as the Lord’s forerunner. Indeed, John exhorted the people of his time to repent so they can welcome Jesus into their lives. He had a great following, among them were Andrew and John. When Jesus began His public ministry, John instructed these two men to follow Jesus.
Like any prophet before him, John’s preaching made some people uneasy such as Herod and Herodias who were in an incestuous relationship. Strangely, Herod liked to listen to John’s preaching. Why? Because Herod knew him “to be a righteous and holy man”. Indeed, throughout his ministry, John showed how faithful and consistent he was, even unto death. Unfortunately, Herod, despite his power and wealth, was weak and hollow. John’s Passion (from the Latin “patior”, meaning “suffer”) which we commemorate today, paves the way for Jesus’ own Passion for our salvation. John’s suffering tells us that “Life has value only in giving it in love, in truth, in giving it to others, in daily life, in the family” (Pope Francis).
• If you were Herod, knowing that John was righteous and holy, would you act differently?
• How would you act on God’s Word, especially those which make you uneasy?
• St John the Baptist once told his followers, “He (Jesus) must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). How can you show more of Jesus and less of you in your life?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the example and prayers of St John the Baptist, grant us the grace to remain faithful to You till the end. Amen.

Fraternally,
Pietro