Friday 6th of February
“The beheading of John the Baptist.”
Mark 6:14-29
King Herod Antipas built a new city on the Sea of Galilee and he kept relative peace in his kingdom for over four decades. He could have supported John the Baptist and Jesus in their missions. Instead, Christians know him as the murderer of John. Herod recognised that John was a righteous and holy man, and he liked to listen to him. But Herod followed his fear and his pride rather than being humble and open to the message of God through John to change.
Herod was worried about losing his power and he refused to go back on his rash promise, rather than admitting that he was wrong. How do we react when we feel challenged by the teaching of the Church and by the Word of God in our prayer? Are we conscious of our sins and open to ask forgiveness in reconciliation? Or do we avoid the truth and protect our ego, like Herod? Jesus, please give us your humility, so that we can listen to your truth and follow our Father’s will as you did.