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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Herod… had John beheaded in the prison

Herod… had John beheaded in the prison

Published Aug 1, 2026 12:05 am
Herod had imprisoned John the Baptist for denouncing his unlawful marriage with Herodias, his brother’s wife. Herodias was so offended by John that she used her own daughter to tempt Herod to allow John’s execution despite Herod’s misgivings, for John was looked upon as prophet.
Herodias’ connivance is a reminder of the evil queen Jezebel who prevailed upon King Ahab to disregard the Law of the Lord, causing the death of Naboth to possess his vineyard (1 Kgs 21:1-15).
As a true prophet, John spoke against the corruption on the part of tax collectors and soldiers, and condemned the pride and hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He confronted Herod on his unlawful marriage with Herodias, knowing fully well the price he had to pay.
Prophets before him, such as Elijah, Amos, and Jeremiah, were persecuted because they were faithful to the word of the Lord that was addressed to rulers and kings, religious leaders, and people who turned away from the Lord.
We live in a world where truth and justice are often compromised out of personal gain, convenience, or fear of retribution. John the Baptist was steadfast to his witness to the truth. He bore witness to the Truth himself—Jesus Christ—who declared to Pontius Pilate: “I came into the world, to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice” (Jn 18:37). Jesus has underlined the cost of discipleship, of being a person of truth. John’s fate serves as a reminder that following Jesus can lead to suffering and persecution.
There is a cost to truth. It may seem inconsequential at the time, but there is always a cost. We should tell the truth because it is the right thing to do and, ultimately, the cost will be worth it.
The truth will set us free—from falsehood, pretense, and from malice of detractors.
First Reading • Jer 26:11-16, 24
The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people, “This man deserves death; he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”
Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people: “It was the Lord who sent me to prophesy against this house and city all that you have heard. 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. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me what you think good and right. But mark well: if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves, on this city and its citizens. For in truth it was the Lord who sent me to you, to speak all these things for you to hear.”
Thereupon the princes and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man does not deserve death; it is in the name of the Lord, our God, that he speaks to us.”
So Ahikam, son of Shaphan, protected Jeremiah, so that he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
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