Daily Word Of God
Mark 6:17-20a, 21-23, 25b-27
Herod had sent to have John arrested, and had had him chained up in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife whom he had married. For John had told Herod, ‘It is against the law for you to have your brother’s wife.’ As for Herodias, she was furious with him and wanted to kill him, but she was not able to do so, because Herod was in awe of John, knowing him to be a good and upright man, and gave him his protection. When he had heard him speak he was greatly perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.
An opportunity came on Herod’s birthday when he gave a banquet for the nobles of his court, for his army officers and for the leading figures in Galilee. When the daughter of this same Herodias came in and danced, she delighted Herod and his guests; so the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me anything you like and I will give it you.’ And he swore her an oath, ‘I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom.’
The girl at once made her request, ‘I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head, immediately, on a dish.’ The king was deeply distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he was reluctant to break his word to her. At once the king sent one of the bodyguard with orders to bring John’s head.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- How often have we stood firm by our Christian values in the face of temptations? John the Baptist was not afraid to chastise King Herod for his adulterous relationship.
- God’s graces give us the courage to overcome fear and weakness when we face adversities of all kinds and at all times.
- However, before God’s graces can work in us, we must be honest with ourselves and with God to admit that we have weaknesses, that we are sinful and very dependent on God’s strength.