Philip. Herod had married her; and John had told him, “It is not right for you to live with your
brother’s wife.” So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him; but she
could not, because Herod respected John. He knew John to be an upright and holy man,
and kept him safe. And he liked listening to him; although he became very disturbed whenever
he heard him. Herodias had her chance on Herod’s birthday, when he gave a dinner for all the
senior government officials, military chiefs, and the leaders of Galilee. On that occasion, the
daughter of Herodias came in and danced; and she delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you.” And he went
so far as to say with many oaths, “I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” The mother replied, “The head
of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried to the king and made her request, “I want you to give me
the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish.” The king was very displeased, but he
would not refuse in front of his guests because of his oaths. So he sent one of the bodyguards,
with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded John in prison; then he brought the
head on a dish and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her mother. When John’s disciples
heard of this, they came and took his body and buried it.

Reflect

“What shall I ask for?” In the Church Calendar, we celebrate the birth and death of St. John the
Baptist. Today’s celebration is a Memorial compared to the Feast celebrated on June 24.
Nevertheless, this celebration remains very significant since today we commemorate St.
John’s martyrdom which mirrors the entire life he led as a prophet. He unmasked the wickedness
of people particularly those of Herod (Antipas) and Herodias. Because he faithfully carried out his
prophetic duty, he was martyred under the order of a king who chose to protect his image rather
than admitting his faults. Today’s Gospel is the detailed narrative account of John the Baptist’s
beheading recounted by Mark (cf. Mt. 14:1- 12). Herod gave the order to behead John after an
oath that he could no longer retract. He was very displeased about the request made by the
daughter of Herodias, requesting for John’s head upon the wicked suggestion of Herodias herself,
but he still gave the order to execute John. Whenever we are given authority and are placed in a
situation where we have to decide, let us make such a decision, not to protect our
image but to serve the truth.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2024