Daily Readings - Fri Feb 04 2022
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 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.