Daily Readings - Fri Feb 07 2020
Mark
14King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."15Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."16But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"17For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married.18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."19So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.21Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.23The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you." And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."24She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?The head of John the Baptist," she answered.25At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.27So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison,28and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.29On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, integrity, and the consequences of our choices. The first reading from Sirach presents David as a model of trust in God, highlighting his victories and his unwavering gratitude. David’s story reminds us that true strength comes not from human prowess but from reliance on the Almighty. The Gospel, however, shifts our focus to a darker tale of power, manipulation, and tragedy. Mark’s account of John the Baptist’s execution reveals the dangers of unchecked ambition and the cost of speaking truth to power. Herod, swayed by fear and pride, allows his oath and public image to lead him to a horrific act, while John remains steadfast in his convictions, even in the face of death.
These readings, though seemingly disparate, are connected by the theme of faith under trial. David’s trust in God and John’s martyrdom both illustrate how faith shapes our responses to challenges. David’s victories were not just military triumphs but spiritual ones, as he continually acknowledged God’s hand in his life. Similarly, John’s unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of death, stands as a testament to the power of faith. Both stories remind us that faith is not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them with courage and integrity.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our own commitments and values. Are we willing to stand by our principles, even when it is uncomfortable or costly? Do we, like David, cultivate a habit of gratitude and trust in God’s providence? John’s martyrdom, in particular, invites us to reflect on the importance of speaking truth in a world often driven by power and self-interest. As we navigate our own trials, may we draw strength from these examples, remembering that true greatness lies not in power or prestige but in fidelity to God and the courage to live according to His will.