MY daily reflection and prayer:
Friday, February 05, 2016
The First Friday of February
Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to St. Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of it; for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod 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. For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly.
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’ 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 grant it.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the baptizer.” And 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.” And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
WHAT can we learn from the Gospel today? From the Herod’s guilt regarding John the Baptist’s murder we learn that those who have radically rejected God, though they might possess great power, wealth, great intelligence and ability, are ultimately the most insecure people on earth. So, when true goodness appears in their life, it presents itself as a threat. Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ present as threats in Herod’s life.
Herod fears John the Baptist, knows he is a holy man and feels the attraction of his words, but he does nothing to respond to it. He loses what he knows he has to love. This is a great tragedy that also we face in our life today.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist we worship Jesus Christ who opens our heart to trust in God. May we accept today the hard road of fidelity so we are found worthy of the hope in his love.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, may we experience the glory of your martyr through many small acts of fidelity especially in serving to others. May we accept a sentence of love and not fear any path you set before us today. We want to be like one who has died and yet lives the blossom of a holy life that will never end forever and ever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
