REFLECTIONS TODAY
Gospel • Matthew 14:1-12 1
Herod the Tetrarch (Herod Antipas) has inherited one-fourth of the kingdom of his father, Herod the Great. He is in-charge of the region of Galilee. He hears so much about Jesus in his territory. He mistakenly believes that Jesus is John the Baptist who rose from the dead, who now can perform mighty works.
The Gospel reading describes how Herod, like his second wife Herodias, wants to kill John, but cannot, because he fears the people who regard John as a prophet. At least, this powerful ruler still has fear in harming a man of God. Herod wants to preserve him. He just puts him in prison, so that he cannot make noise anymore.
Yet, on Herod’s birthday, when Herodias’ daughter performs a dance which delights him and his guests, Herod makes an oath to this girl which he cannot take back. At the instigation of her mother, the girl asks for the head of John.
Many a man’s life is wasted because of our careless promises and oaths.
We, then, adamantly stand by our word, making us false gentlemen. We should prioritize the life of others, not our promises at their expense, to show that we fear God.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.