TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
7 FEBRUARY, 2025
Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread,
and people were saying,
“John the Baptist has been raised from the dead;
That is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
Others were saying, “He is Elijah”;
still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.”
But when Herod learned of it, he said,
“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”
Herod was the one who had John 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.
Herodias 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.
His 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?”
Her mother 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!
REFLECTION
This passage highlights the tragic consequences of pride, manipulation, and the lack of moral courage. King Herod, though intrigued by John the Baptist’s teachings, fails to stand for what he knows is right. Herodias’s vengeful heart and her daughter’s involvement in carrying out an evil plan show the destructive power of bitterness and sin. Herod’s rash promise, made to impress his guests, traps him in a situation where he sacrifices John, a righteous man, to save face. This story reminds us of the cost of failing to follow our conscience and the danger of allowing pride and fear of judgment to dictate our actions. It also calls us to reflect on the courage of John the Baptist, who remained faithful to God’s truth even unto death. This challenges us to stand firm in our faith and values, even when faced with opposition or personal cost.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of John the Baptist, who stood boldly for truth and righteousness. Help us to have the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when it is difficult. Protect us from pride, fear, and the need to please others at the cost of our integrity. Grant us wisdom to make decisions that honor You and reflect Your love and justice. Soften our hearts to forgive and not harbor bitterness, as Herodias did. May we always seek to follow Your will, trusting in Your guidance and strength. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen
