17TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Blessed Virgin Mary
St. John Mary Vianney, priest
Psalter: Week 1 / (White)
Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
1st Reading: Jer 26:11-16, 24
Then the priests and the prophets said to the leaders of the people: “This man must die for he has spoken against the city as you have heard with your own ears!”
Jeremiah replied, “I have been sent by Yahweh to prophesy against this house and this city all that you have heard. Hence, reform your ways and your deeds and obey Yahweh your God that he may change his mind and not bring upon you the destruction he had intended.
As for me I am in your hands; do with me whatever you consider just and right. But know that I am innocent; and if you take my life you commit a crime that is a curse on yourselves, on the city and the people. In truth it was Yahweh who sent me to say all that I said in your hearing.”
Then the leaders, backed by the people, said to the priests and the prophets, “This man does not deserve death; he spoke to us in the Name of Yahweh.”
Gospel: Mt 14:1-12
At that time, the reports about Jesus reached king Herod. And he said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. John has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in John.”
Herod had, in fact, ordered that John be arrested, bound in chains and put in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. For John had said to Herod, “It is not right for you to have her as your wife.” Herod wanted to kill him but he did not dare, because he feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet.
On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced among the guests; she so delighted Herod that he promised under oath to give her anything she asked for. The girl, following the advice of her mother, said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist, here, on a dish.”
The king was very displeased, but because he had made his promise under oath, in the presence of his guests, he ordered it to be given to her. So he had John beheaded in prison, and his head brought on a dish and given to the girl. The girl then took it to her mother.
Then John’s disciples came, took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Reflections
So he had John beheaded in prison, and his head brought on a dish
John the Baptist was beheaded because he condemned the adulterous relationship between King Herod and his sister-in-law. Speaking the truth cost him his life.
Many of us promote the Kingdom of God by doing good and avoiding evil. We are faithful to our families, dutiful and hardworking. We do not commit serious crimes or sins. However, from Jesus and John’s example, promoting the Kingdom of God does not only entail doing good and avoiding evil but rather going good and denouncing evil in society.
To what extent are we willing to promote God’s Kingdom?
Daily Reflection 2018
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
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