REFLECTIONS TODAY
Mark’s Gospel presents Herod as revering John to be a holy man. The Baptist’s execution is credited to Herodias’ own hatred and desire (6:19). In Matthew, however, the desire is Herod’s from the beginning. Herod Antipas received a quarter of his father’s (Herod the Great) domain, hence the title “tetrarch” or “ruler of a fourth [part].” Herodias was not the wife of Philip the Tetrarch but of another half-brother, Herod Boethus, the son of Herod the Great and Mariamne II, the daughter of Simon Boethus, the High Priest. Some writers call Herod Boethus also Herod Philip. Herod the Tetrarch’s union with Herodias was prohibited by the Law (Lv 18:16). Herod’s reverence for John could have enabled him to take a strong stand in John’s defense, knowing that the prophet was in the right. Unfortunately, earthly power rendered him vulnerable to lies and cowardice. Where do you get the strength of will and heart to choose what is right and to reject what is bad?
Gospel • 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.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.