DGeMs- Daily Gospel eMessage
Dear Friend in the Lord,
“Evil – Faith” John the Baptist condemned Herodias’ adulterous relationship with King Herod. As such, Herodias demanded that John the Baptist be beheaded. Even King Herod’s offer of great riches could not pacify her evil need for vengeance. Ponder on, “Pray that our painful emotions do not fester beyond our control; where they may tempt us to harm others.”
Fr Philip Heng, S.J.
Matthew 14:3-10
It was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet.
Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’
The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison.