Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.

Mark 6:19

Mark 6:14-29

Reflection

King Herod hears about Jesus and how some people declare that he is John the Baptist raised from the dead. Herod believes it is John, for he had John beheaded at the request of his daughter and wife.

Herodias “harbored a grudge” against John the Baptist because of her unlawful marriage with her brother-in-law. John called Herod out on this immoral action, and for that he was imprisoned and eventually killed. Similarly, we might sometimes hold a grudge against someone for calling us out when we are not being Christian or going against Church teaching.

Or perhaps you are the person whom the grudge is held against. Being a true disciple of Christ means facing dislike and persecution because of our countercultural beliefs. In a society where truth is regarded as relative, it is easy to encounter many people who do things the way they want, rather than what the Church teaches. In those instances, we should correct in a loving way, even if a grudge is now held against us.

Of course, we must all become better at following Christ and his Church. Nobody is perfect and we all sin. We must reflect interiorly about wrongs we have committed and humbly turn back to the Lord, and not lash out against God or others. How is Jesus calling you to follow him more perfectly?

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Saint of the Day

St. Paul Miki and Companions: 1564 – 1597

“The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die.” St. Paul Miki