GOSPEL, Matthew (14: 1-12)

Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew

The Death of John the Baptist

14 At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; ² and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” ³ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ⁴ because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” ⁵ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. ⁶ But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod ⁷ so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. ⁸ Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” ⁹ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; ¹⁰ he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. ¹¹ The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. ¹² His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.

The Gospel of the Lord

 

REFLECTION

 Today we celebrate St. Ignatius of Loyola. He was born in 1491 in Loyola, in Cantabria (Spain); after having lived at court, he entered military life. The Lord called him to a very special mission: to dedicate himself totally to Christ. He founded the Society of Jesus in Rome. The Church chose for the celebration of this hero of holiness the Gospel of Matthew (14:1-12)

He had a burning desire to know Christ intimately, to love him, to serve him totally, as he had served his Country.

In this passage from (Matthew 14:1-12) we see how difficult it is to be consistent with our religious convictions. Let us ask St. Ignatius and all others who gave themselves totally to the service of good and truth: Like John the Baptist, who was misunderstood, persecuted, imprisoned and executed on the orders of Herod.

The figure of Herod makes us reflect on the dramatic conditions of some people at a time when there is only one thought. Allied to power, we can make a career, but sincerity is stifled, and justice falls undone at the feet of tyrants.

 Today, the Word of God invites us to be ready to live with fidelity to the Lord and all the circumstances of our existence, recognizing him as the Lord of our existence, adhering to him, accepting his Word, welcoming the strength of his love.

 The word of God sheds light on the darkness of men, and at the same time, it illuminates those who accept it, it denounces those who reject it. Moreover, if the one who proclaims it insists on making it heard, he will not lack persecution, even to the point of death, as happened to John the Baptist.

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, with your grace, help us to keep faith to your word, even in the face of persecution and death. May you make us worthy to bear this cross if that is your will, as did all the saints in the past. May we be inspired to have the opening of heart we need to receive the Holy Spirit who wants to give us the audacity of the impossible. Amen.