Bring me the head of John

Lev. 25:1.8-17, Mt. 14:1-12. It is often said that the evil men do lives after them. John’s hasty execution so haunted Herod to the extent that, when he heard about Jesus preaching in today's Gospel, his first thought was “This is John, whom I beheaded.” The execution of John the Baptist is a dramatic example of the abuse of power in human history. On this day, king Herod was on top of the world, surrounded by wealthy friends and celebrities, who praised him on his birthday and toasted his success as King of Galilee. The highlight of the party was when Salome, Herod’s pretty step-daughter, came in to dance. Her erotic ballet so pleased Herod that he extravagantly promised her, ‘Ask for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.’ It was a foolish promise that would later haunt him. Herod is another in a series of Biblical characters who went astray. How great might Samson have been, without his lust for Delilah? Would David not have left a better legacy had he not taken another man’s wife? Might Solomon’s wisdom have laster longer if he did not listen to many foreign wives, who turned his heart astray? There is an important lesson to ponder. Herod’s impulsive promise warns against making foolish decisions when excited and prudence is silenced. It shows how people who abuse power in this way lose their authority. The Baptist has no power in this scene; he was Herod’s prisoner. However, he has greater moral authority, rooted in his relationship with God. May the Lord give us courage when things go wrong, direct us to make right decisions and strengthen us with love of His will! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful weekend!!!