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 the Tetrach or Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great who ruled during the time of Jesus' birth. The civilian authority was corrupt and immoral.
We have been forewarned that if we spread the good news of the commandments, the moral laws, we will be hated by our own family and friends. They might spread the news that you are the new weirdo on the block, the new religious zealot. Sad when this happens and you are ostracized because of your stances on sin. But we must continue on the right path.
Herod was a weak governor; a mean and cruel man who listened to his brother's wife, his mistress. He did not have a backbone, felt that he had to please people and show that he was the boss. However, he had no courage to correct his ways and instead allowed Herodias and her daughter to persuade him to order the beheading of John the Baptist. Herodias hated John the Baptist for his preaching against adultery.
Do not give up praying. Be aware that though you are right, there will be strong opposition. Keep praying and do not give up the good fight.
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