Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, "This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him." Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet .But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. 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. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.
REFLECTION
"It is not lawful for you to have her."
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great, who tried to kill baby Jesus. Herodias was married to Herod's half brother, Herod Philip. Herodias and Herod both left their respective spouses and were now living together. John the Baptist publicly denounced the union of Herod Antipas and his mistress Herodias. The Mosaic law forbade the union if the husband was still alive. (Leviticus 18:16;20:21)
John the Baptist publicly chastized them. Disgraced, Herod had him imprisoned. Herodias was filled with hate, anger and vengeance.
There are many people who are estranged from family, friends and associates for speaking up about our faith, the Ten Commandments and morally objective behavior. These are tough decisions made because there will mostly be repercussions and loss of friendship and love.
Are we ready to speak up when needed or are we silent because it is not our business?
We are meant to speak up about evil when God leads us to point out sin or confront injustice. In Isaiah 58:1, God urges speaking up about sin: “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.
It is very important and always right to speak out against sin, particularly in situations in where individuals have the opportunity to influence the behavior of others.
We owe it to God, to others, and ourselves to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Love compels us to say something.
Be faithful to speak the words, and trust God with the results.
God Bless You. Pray for priests and for one another.
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