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Gospel Reading for August 3, 2024 – Matthew 14: 1-12
“GHOST”
Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her. Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.
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Herod was actually an admirer of John the Baptist and knew of his mighty works that’s why he thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead (Mark 6: 20). How tragic it is when you destroy someone you know is really good, all because of a stupid oath you made and had to fulfill. A spur of the moment cost the life of someone very much revered by the people. The expression: someone’s loss is someone else’s gain doesn’t even apply to him. What did he gain? Nothing, but being haunted by the “GHOST” of John the Baptist in his conscience.
This is why we have to be very careful and thoughtful when taking/making oaths. If we cannot fulfill them they will bother our conscience. We cannot enjoy peace and self-respect.
Lord, help us to be true to the promises we make!
