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August 2, 2014

King Herod had a choice. He was the king, after all. He could have said no to the daughter of Herodias. No matter how important it was for a king to keep his oath, having someone innocent beheaded for the sake of not losing face is still wrong. He knew that. But because of his weak character, he agreed to do it.

This passage reminds us of how easily people can be persuaded to do the wrong thing for whatever reason we have. It can teach us the value of choosing to listen to what people say or to listen to what God says. In King Herod’s case, he chose to give in to a girl’s wish out of pride at the cost of the life of John the Baptist.

What do we know about John de Baptist? He was one person who fully committed his life to God. He always tried to do the right thing, even at the expense of his life. He never compromised his beliefs or convictions to please anyone. He knew obeying God was the best and the only thing to do, so he did that. He loved God more than his own life. Can we honestly say the same?

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 5

<< Saturday, August 2, 2014 >>

St. Eusebius of Vercelli
St. Peter Julian Eymard

Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24
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Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34

Matthew 14:1-12
Similar Reflections

SIN-SICK?

"Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the Lord your God, so that the Lord will repent of the evil with which He threatens you." —Jeremiah 26:13

When Herod heard of Jesus, he didn't think of Jesus. Instead, Herod thought of John the Baptizer (Mt 14:2). Herod may have been eaten up with guilt for beheading John. This hell of guilt was due to murder, which was due to pride and lust (see Mt 14:3ff). Herod's lust was bred in unforgiveness or some other root sin.

When we sin, we "get on a roll" of slavery, self-deception, self-hatred, spiritual blindness, spiritual anorexia, and spiritual paralysis. Ultimately, "the wages of sin is death" (Rm 6:23). If we board the train of sin, we will do things that we consider "sick," perverted, and perverting. We will be taken to places we've never wanted to go. Ultimately, we can go to hell.

Therefore, love God and hate sin (see Sir 17:21). Resist temptations to sin — even to the point of shedding your blood (Heb 12:4). If you have sinned, repent immediately. Go to Confession. Consider this sacrament a great gift to be received at least monthly. Be a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18): love sinners; hate sin; convict others of sin (see Jn 16:8); call them to repentance. Above all, thank Jesus always and forever for being the slain Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29).

Prayer: Jesus, I accept You as the Offering for my sins and for the sins of the whole world (1 Jn 2:2).

Promise: "It was the Lord Who sent me to prophesy." —Jer 26:12

Praise: Even in the sufferings of being exiled for his faith, St. Eusebius rejoiced in the Lord and encouraged his fellow believers, writing: "Dearly beloved, I rejoice in your faith, in the salvation that comes from faith, in your good works."