Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr Jose Caballes SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Friday 4th Week in Ordinary Time
Image source : Wikimedia Commons
Herod was a man true to his word but not true to his faith. He was true in keeping his promise to Salome, but he was not true to his faith in John from whom he got so much inspirations. When a man does not watch out with his words pride may set in to shackle him into doing something which might be contrary to his faith.
Herod believed John to be a holy man but because of pride he easily dumped John and have him killed just to preserved his credibility before men.
Herod was a man who acted on impulse. Perhaps he was carried by his arrogance due to his position as king. How unfortunate that man thinks he has authority to decide on people’s lives not thinking that he himself might be judged.
Herod feared what men might say. How easily we are swayed in our faith and belief when we become insecure to what people might think of us if we do not cater to their whims and desire.
On the contrary, John the Baptizer was a man of courage, dying for truth regardless of what others might say of him, he was a shining example of one who is true to his word and true to his faith. To him they are one and the same, faith expressed in words and words giving meaning to faith.
John was a man who made the connection between prophecy and martyrdom. Once you speak in the name of God, expect that you will be persecuted. But what is that compared to the promised reward of eternal life.
Herod lived for this worldly life but John lived for the world to come.
One comment