Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”  Herod was the one who had John 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. Herodias 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. His own daughter came in and 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?” Her mother 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.

 

In today’s Gospel we hear the story of John the Baptist’s execution. The story starts off with a discussion of Jesus and whether he is the resurrected John the Baptist. If Jesus is comparable to John the Baptist, then John must have been a really holy man dedicated to his Father in Heaven. John the Baptist was revered as a great profit announcing the coming of Christ. Jesus even revered John the Baptist as the greatest man born from a woman. While many people thought that John was the Messiah, he was described as the witness to the light. He had a great following of people. John was also described as a rather wild looking unkempt individual. So how could an individual who was rather eccentric looking attract so many followers? He must have spoken with true wisdom about God and Jesus. In the story today, Herod is struggling between his desire to hear John versus his hatred for the message. It says that “When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.” John was a conscience for Herod telling him what was right and what was wrong. Herod feared John because of his righteousness. We are all given a conscience which helps us decide right from wrong. Our conscience feeds us information but does not cause us to act. Our free will causes us to act. While John told Herod what he was doing was wrong, Herod still acted.

 

The second part of the story deals with Herod’s oath to his daughter. Because of the nature of her dance, Herod promised her anything she wanted even half his kingdom. She requested that Herod behead John and because of his oath to her, he did what she wanted. Herod struggled with the decision, but in the end he stayed true to his promise. Oaths and promises which are based on immoral acts should never be made. We should never negotiate for sinful favors. If we make an unjust oath or promise, we are obliged by the church to break that promise. This type of action brings grave harm to the individual’s soul.

 

The story contains three key individuals, a righteous man, a man struggling with his conscience and a person who had already sold herself to the worldly treasures. John, the righteous man, makes the ultimate sacrifice for his faith. John stood firm on his beliefs and because of this he lost his life. How strong is your faith? Are you willing to make sacrifices for Christ no matter what the cost. When asked, most Christians say that they would be willing to give their lives for Christ. Throughout the ages, many Christians have given their life in defense of their faith and Christianity. The blood of the martyrs has lined the path to the kingdom of heaven. In their sacrifice, we find the strength to defend our own faith. Through Christ’s own sacrifice and victory on the cross, we too should be willing to make the sacrifice. But are we really ready to make the sacrifice? When our faith is challenged, do we stand strong or do we cower? When deciding between right and wrong, which path do you choose? Do you chose the path of John or the path of Herod. We must learn to stand strong, even when we must choose the path which cause us to suffer. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage to defend ourselves. We must learn to have faith in our commitment. We do not need to fear those who try to lead us astray or those who oppose the Gospel. We need to realize that Christ’s love is stronger than fear and death itself. Jesus Christ is our source of eternal happiness. We are called to make Christ known to all through our words and our actions no matter what the consequences

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, your are the true light and the true salvation.

Give me wisdom to be able to chose the right path.

Give me the strength to stand in the way of evil and chose good.

And when I fall, give me the humility to stand back up.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon