Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias ,the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,gave a banquet for his courtiers,his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.Herodias' own daughter came inand performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.The king said to the girl,"Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you."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. "The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request ,"I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist. "The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. 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.
REFLECTION
"It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
What would one do if we were arrested and bound in a dark prison for speaking the Truth? Many would worry about their situation. John the Baptist, who heard and saw the Holy Spirit come down on the Lord at His baptism, did not despair nor worry. As all saints who are prepared to die for Jesus, he prayed and surrendered all to God. Was he surprised when he heard the sentence of beheading? Don’t know, but he definitely was prepared.
Herod broke the law by marrying his brother’s wife. John told them they had sinned. Though Herod found John the Baptist interesting and enjoyed listening to him, he had him imprisoned to keep him quiet about the Truth. Herodias, filled with anger, hate and vengeance, arranged for his head on a platter via her seductive daughter, Salome and the promise of the Tetrach.
Acting on his weakness and pride, and not wanting to break his word, Herod ordered the immediate beheading of John the Baptist, overlooking the Truth standing before him. No one objected. No one spoke up for John the Baptist.
Truth will always win. Perhaps we will not see Truth winning in our lifetime. We know through faith and trust in God, His merciful love and justice will always be there for us.
What now?
Many have been and continue to be imprisoned and martyred for God. Be vocal and not timid in defending God and our faith. Be prepared to suffer for Christ, lose friends, even our lives. Rejoice in making Him known. Our reward will be the eternal presence of God. Fulfill God's Will in our lives.
May we find His comfort and security in times of pain.
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