Greetings on this the Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 13:1-8; Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc; Mark 6:14-29
Summary
I have written four reflections on the beheading of John the Baptist from 2021 – 2024.
Here is the list:
- https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/08/29/headed-for-destruction/
- https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2023/08/05/doubling-down-generously/
- https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/08/29/harbored-a-grudge/
- https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/01/11/after-john-had-been-arrested/
Reflection
Herodias and her daughter are pretty messed up. In the end, nothing is to interfere with the lavish lifestyle they have grown accustomed to living. Herodias harbored a grudge against him [John] and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. I don’t think she cared about the prohibition of Herod marrying the wife of his brother Philip. You shall not have intercourse with your brother’s wife; that would be a disgrace to your brother (Lev 18:16).
Was she worried she would be put to death, the prescribed punishment in the Torah. No, not really. Times changed and the punishment was not available to them, to wit, The Jews answered him, “We do not have the right to execute anyone” (Jn 18:31b).
She wanted to keep the lifestyle she was afforded and that also for her daughter.
She traded John’s life for her comfort. A bad trade.
Personal Reflection
Tomorrow competing interests. If I were holy enough I could bi-locate.
I am assigned to the Chapel of Holy Innocents for Mass, Exposition and Benediction. There I will keep the prayer going for the good outcome to Choice Life. Trading comfort for life! Trading risk for life! Trading despair for life!
A good trade.
I wish also to be with the Guatemalas. Flyer here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/wp-1738930185605.pdf
Chants to Say
a. Chant 1: Side by side we hear the call /R Dignity, safety, sanctuary for all
b. Chant 2: The people united /R Will never be divided
c. Chant 3: El pueblo unido /R jamás será vencido
Prayer for Diaspora Migrants living and dead
Merciful God, we pray to you for all the men, women and children who have
died after leaving their homelands in search of a better life. Though many of
their graves bear no name, to you each one is known, loved and cherished. /
May we never forget them, but honour their sacrifice with deeds more th
words. We entrust to you all those who have made this journey, enduring fear,
uncertainty and humiliation, in order to reach a place of safety and hope…… /
In caring for them may we seek a world where none are forced to leave their
home and where all can live in freedom, dignity and peace. / Merciful God and
Father of all, wake us from the slumber of indifference, open our eyes to their
suffering, and free us from the insensitivity born of worldly comfort and
self-centredness. / Inspire us, as nations, communities and individuals, to see
that those who come to our shores are our brothers and sisters…
Amen
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020725.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry