Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 6,17-29
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.
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’s 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.
Power leads to killing innocents
1) Sensuality: This refers to the dance of Herodias’ daughter. How often do people “lose their heads” because of being seduced or sensual feelings? They promise things that can cause others pain, and many times, can “kill” people with their actions, for example: your family. Today we live in a world of sensuality, where barriers are broken and there are no limits! …not even the limit of a priest’s collar, a nun’s habit, or a marriage ring. Do not let yourself be carried away by sensuality, because when you regret it, then it will be too late. Don’t let yourself be caught up in this double life that promises you everything but, at the end, leaves you only pain and sadness.
2) Power: not only is it reflected by Herod but also by Herodias. In order to gain power, this woman was capable of using her own daughter to kill an innocent. Those who are “power hungry” end up doing these things: they use people, and kill whoever is a threat. Please be careful … How many priests and nuns left their consecrated life because someone wanted to have their way? How many people have used you as a springboard to reach a higher position? Have you done that yourself? How many times have you:
-used your wife to get to your children? -Used coworkers to get to your boss?
-Have you ignored those people just to get what you want?
3) John: He is the figure of a brave man who remained in truth and coherence. They cut off his head, but he was firm in his beliefs, and his disciples buried him. On the other hand, Herod and Herodias lost their minds to power and sensuality, but you know what?… they died alone. Stay in the truth, that will make you great and will give you peace of mind. Please don’t drop your guard; there are many people that want to rip your head off. Don’t sell your good things like your values and your best qualities, for power or sensuality.
God bless you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Remember, Heaven is our goal !
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