Daily Word Of God
Mark 6:18-20a, 21-25a, 26-27
John had told King 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.
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.’
She went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the Baptist.’ The girl at once rushed back to the king and made her request. 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 bodyguards 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?
- John the Baptist was a just and holy man. Confident of God’s love and protection, he was fearless in preaching repentance, calling all to live in truth and justice.
- In the same way, will you witness to Jesus by your life? Will you risk ridicule and persecution by living according to Gospel values, rejecting materialism, immorality and injustice?
- Trust in God’s grace and help at all times. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, courage and humility to reject worldly attachments and to live only in God’s Ways.