Feast of The Passion of St. John the Baptist
Readings: 1Cor. 1:26-31 | Ps. 33:12-13, 18-21 | Mk. 6:17-29
Paul continues his talk about living the life we are called to live by God. Who we are and what we have, has been gifted to us by God. In return we are to use God’s gifts in gratitude to God and not take credit for those gifts. Our boasting must be boasting in God.
John, the Baptist, has been arrested by Herod. As he desires, he calls for a feast. His daughter –in-law dances for the King and he is delighted. It is important to know that Herod is drunk and not rational at all. Herod offers to give Herodius whatever she wants for bringing so much please to Herod. This gift has not been thought through because he needs to keep his promise. When Salome asks for the head of John the Baptist, Herod is caught. Despite the fact that it would be wrong to cut off John’s head, Herod does not know how to get out of his predicament. So, he gives in and does kill John.
It seems that we get in trouble when we promise to do things that are morally wrong despite. Our honor. Spend time with this Gospel today and talk to Jesus about what you should do if you get in some bad situation. Ask for the help to do the right thing and the courage to do it.