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.

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a stark reminder of the cost of speaking truth to power. John the Baptist, a righteous and holy man, dared to speak out against Herod's unlawful marriage to his brother's wife, Herodias. For this, he was arrested, imprisoned, and ultimately beheaded.

Herodias, fueled by her grudge against John, manipulated her daughter to ask for his head on a platter, and Herod, bound by his own pride and oaths, felt compelled to grant her request. Despite his initial admiration for John's words, Herod's fear of losing face and power led him to silence the prophet forever.

This passage teaches us that:

- Speaking truth to power can come at a great cost

- Those in power may seek to silence those who challenge them

- We must be willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity

- Our words and actions have consequences, and we must be mindful of the impact they may have on others

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves:

- Are we willing to speak truth to power, even if it means facing challenges and criticism?

- Do we stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult or unpopular? 

- Are we mindful of the impact our words and actions may have on others?

- Do we prioritize our own pride and power over doing what is right?

May we draw inspiration from John the Baptist's courage and conviction, and may we be willing to speak truth to power, even in the face of adversity. May we prioritize righteousness and holiness over pride and power.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We come before you, remembering the courage and conviction of John the Baptist, who spoke truth to power at the cost of his own life.

Give us the strength and wisdom to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. May we be willing to speak truth to power, even if it means facing challenges and criticism.

Forgive us for prioritizing our own pride and power over doing what is right. Help us to be mindful of the impact our words and actions may have on others.

May we draw inspiration from John's example, and may we prioritize righteousness and holiness over pride and power.

We pray for those who are facing persecution and oppression for speaking truth to power. May they find courage and strength in their stand for what is right.

May we be a voice for the voiceless, and may we stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized and oppressed.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

Additional prayer points:

- Ask for courage and strength to speak truth to power

- Pray for wisdom and discernment in standing up for what is right

- Seek forgiveness for prioritizing pride and power over righteousness

- Pray for mindfulness of the impact of our words and actions on others

- Pray for those facing persecution and oppression for speaking truth to power.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ