August 4, 2018

Gospel: Mt 14:1-12
At that time, the reports 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 John.” 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 Herod, “It is not right for you to have her as your 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 among the guests; she so delighted Herod that he promised under oath to give her anything she asked for. 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 his promise under oath, in the presence of his guests, he ordered it to be given to 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, took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

Reflections
So he had John beheaded in prison, and his head brought on a dish John the Baptist was beheaded because he condemned the adulterous relationship between King Herod and his sister-in-law. Speaking the truth cost him his life. Many of us promote the Kingdom of God by doing good and avoiding evil. We are faithful to our families, dutiful and hardworking. We do not commit serious crimes or sins. However, from Jesus and John’s example, promoting the Kingdom of God does not only entail doing good and avoiding evil but rather going good and denouncing evil in society. To what extent are we willing to promote God’s Kingdom?

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018