Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Today’s Gospel is definitely not what you would consider “feel good” or an easy read… rather, it’s incredibly confronting. Here is someone who lived their whole life on mission by baptising, evangelising and building community. Yet, he was killed for having the courage to speak the truth and challenge injustice, corruption and sin.

The world we live in now is rather different to the one John the Baptist inhabited, and few of us would perhaps be as bold and unflinching as he was. But even when our approach might be more of a gentle correction, or more dialogical or invitational, we can still experience the ramifications of speaking out or challenging someone’s poor behaviour. Mostly it might just seem easier to just keep our heads down and not say anything at all.

What we need to keep in mind though, is that the fate of John the Baptist is not a warning to stay quiet or turn a blind eye to sinful behaviour, decision and actions. Instead, it’s a reminder of the need to continue to be advocates of peace, justice and integrity. It’s a reminder of our call to help others find their way back on the path of the Gospel when they stray, even when it might be a hard conversation to have.

And, it’s a reminder to ourselves to stand up for what we know is right, just and true. In doing so, we are carrying on the mission of John the Baptist and ultimately the mission of Christ, in spreading the Good News and helping build God’s Kingdom on earth.

Am I prepared to have a difficult conversation and call out someone’s bad behaviour, like John the Baptist?