Say Something!

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: JER 26:11-16, 24; PS 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 14:1-12
Notes: My Mom used to say, if you have nothing good to say about someone, don’t say anything”

This will be a short homily.

• The death of John the Baptist was recorded in all three Synoptic gospels.
  • Matt: This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him.
  • Mark: John, him I beheaded, has been raised.
  • Luke: Perplexed, John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

Herod finally meets Jesus in the gospel of Luke during the arrest sequence before Pilate (LK 23:6-12).
For he had long desired to see him:

1. He heard about him.
2. Hoped to see some sign from him.
3. Jesus did not ablige.

First reading
“This man deserves death;
he has prophesied against this city,
as you have heard with your own ears.

Jeremiah spoke about his calling and the Elders testified to the purpose of all prophets.

Thereupon the princes and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man does not deserve death; it is in the name of the LORD, our God, that he speaks to us

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Alleluia Verse
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Gospel Portion
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus.

Prompted by her mother, she said,
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.

None of the guests of Herod spoke up for John the Baptist.

Speak up for holiness!

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry