The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
Matthew 14:9-10
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
Reflection
Herod hears about Jesus’ reputation and thinks that he must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. For Herod had John killed at the bequest of his wife’s daughter, and not wanting to break his oath in front of his guests, he ordered for John’s killing even though he didn’t truly desire to.
One reason John the Baptist is killed is because Herod was most likely too embarrassed in front of his guests to renege on his promise to his wife’s daughter. Even though John didn’t really do anything wrong to warrant death, Herod went ahead with the execution anyway. His stubbornness and embarrassment caused something unjust to occur.
We can also be stubborn like Herod and not back down from a stance we know is wrong, simply because it would embarrass us in front of friends or have consequences for our reputation. Yet we shouldn’t be as prideful as that, for pride doesn’t lead to holiness – humility does. Admitting when we are wrong with humility is a way we grow in character. Jesus wants us to be meek and humble like himself, not prideful and stubborn. How can you practice humility today?
Saint of the Day
St. Alphonsus Liguori: 1696 – 1787
| “We wish either to follow God or the world; if we wish to follow God, we must give up the world.” St. Alphonsus Liguori |
The Healing Word 