Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 5, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Matthew 14:1-12

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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s text explain the tensions that existed between John the Baptist, Herod and Herodias over Herod’s marriage to his brother’s wife. Yet, Herod did not act on that, though he had the power, out of fear of John’s supporters. But Herodias seized on an opportunity to be rid of the holy prophet when she instructed her daughter, Salamone, to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter when told that Herod would give her whatever she asked.

Herod was bound to honor his public promise to Salome. And so, John the Baptist was beheaded.

Because of the circumstances of John’s death as well as Herod’s grasp of John’s power as an agent of the LORD, his fear of John did not end with his death. And so, when news of Jesus’ following, Herod feared it was John come back from the dead.

How does this pertain to us today?

This biblical text and the story that it relates begs of us today to search our lives for our motives for what we do. Are our motives righteous or self-serving? Do we go against what our conscience begs of us to get along or to please others?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I listen to my conscience even when I know that to act a certain way will displease others or be judged unfairly? How strong is my resolve to live as the LORD commands?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we praise You with all of our being and offer thanksgiving for your loving power and presence at work in our lives, in our very beings, in our world. We beg for your grace to strengthen our resolve to live as the daughters and sons You created us to be, the disciples You call us to be. Help us to set aside our fear of the judgment of others and instead act as the signs of your loving presence in the world. Assist us in opening ourselves to your gifts and graces in others, accepting their roles in your ongoing mission here on earth. Grant that we may be united in our love for You, our desire to serve You and one another this day and all days. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.