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Gospel Reading for August 29, 2026 – Mark 6: 17-29
ABUSE OF POWER
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of 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 hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
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Simply, an ABUSE OF POWER.
Just because he was king, Herod thought he could do whatever he wanted—even to someone as revered as John the Baptist, a prophet with countless followers who had led so many people closer to God.
All because he was so captivated by the dance of a young girl that he rashly promised her anything she asked for, even half of his kingdom. How grotesque! The exchange was utterly disproportionate—a dance rewarded with the permanent loss of a human life.
In Mark 10:42–45, Jesus presents a completely different understanding of authority:
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
From a worldly perspective, John the Baptist’s death seems humiliating and senseless. Likewise, Jesus—the Son of God and King of the Universe—appeared to suffer the most shameful and unjust death imaginable: crucifixion on a cross.
Yet in God’s Kingdom, both reveal what true greatness looks like. Greatness is not found in wielding power over others, but in remaining faithful to God, even at great personal cost. Authority is not meant to dominate; it is meant to serve.
Lord Jesus, whenever we are entrusted with positions of authority—whether in our family, workplace, community, or Church—keep us from abusing the power we have in ways that cause injustice or harm to others. Teach us instead to use every gift, responsibility, and influence to serve with humility, love, and integrity, following your example. Amen.
