Daily Readings - Fri Feb 04 2022
Mark
14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him."15But others said, "He is Elijah." And others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old."16But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."17For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her.18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."19And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not,20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.22For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you."23And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."24And she went out and said to her mother, "For what should I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist."25And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."26And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.27And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison28and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.29When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on leadership, morality, and the consequences of our choices. The first reading from Sirach presents David as a model of faith and courage, a leader who trusted in God and gave thanks for His providence. The second reading from Mark’s Gospel offers a stark contrast, recounting the tragic death of John the Baptist at the hands of King Herod, a ruler whose fear and pride led to violence and injustice. Together, these readings challenge us to consider the kind of leaders we are called to be and the values we uphold in our own lives.
The readings from Sirach and Mark are deeply rooted in their historical contexts. Sirach’s account of David emphasizes his role as a righteous king who glorified God in all his works, while Mark’s narrative reveals the darker side of human nature, as Herod’s fear of John’s truth led to his destruction. These stories remind us that leadership is not about power or prestige but about integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. John the Baptist, though not a king, lived out a prophetic role, speaking truth to power even at great personal cost. His martyrdom stands as a testament to the enduring power of truth and righteousness.
In our daily lives, we are called to embody the virtues of David and the courage of John the Baptist. We face choices every day between convenience and conviction, between silence and speaking the truth. These readings remind us that our decisions have consequences—not just for ourselves but for others. Like David, we are invited to cultivate gratitude and trust in God’s providence. Like John the Baptist, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging. Let us strive to be leaders in our own way, living with integrity, speaking the truth with love, and trusting in God’s plan for our lives. In doing so, we become instruments of grace and hope in a world that sorely needs both.