Headed for destruction

Greetings on this the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
Readings: 1 Cor 1:1-9; PS 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Mk 6:17-29

Decapitation

From antiquity, the head is regarded as the seat of power, authority, and honor within a person. To decapitate someone, as in the case of John the Baptist, is a direct attempt at negating a person’s power, authority and honor.

Herod’s head

Herod feared John. He feared him for judgment as a righteous and holy man. He feared him as a potential rival for power and rebellion. For the moment, Herod had his fear balanced with his curiosity.

Herodias’ Head

Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet. Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. She danced, delighting Herod and his guests. 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.”

Right Headed

But you, LORD, are a shield around me; my glory, you keep my head high (PS 3:4).

John had it right.

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna (Matt 10:28). From the letter of Paul today, He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Summary

To be clear and IMHO, John did not hammer Herod over and over again about the illegal marriage. He told him once. Probably in private or semi-private. He didn’t grind the man into shame. He just told the truth that marrying a close blood relation is wrong (brother’s daughter).

• Herod lost his head.
• John kept his – regardless of the visuals, and graphic decapitation.

John kept his faith, spiritual gifts, and fellowship with God.

Reflection

Sometimes being called out on a mistake even gently is a challenge, but we shouldn’t loose our head over it. Herodias and Herod lost their minds in a spiritual self-decapitation.

Personal Reflection

I try to remember. The sting of truth is for our Joy. Its power is to help us move in a better direction. The sting of mistakes is a consequence. Its power is only to wisdom, not self-destruction.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082924.cfm

First Reading

You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Responsorial

I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Gospel

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.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry