First Reading - Jeremiah 26:11-16,24
Gospel - Matthew 14:1-12
The first reading presents the trial scene of Jeremiah, following his confrontation in the Temple. The Temple authorities stubbornly refuse Jeremiah’s message, while the people support him. Jeremiah firmly affirms that the message he brings is from God, but the priests and authorities vehemently oppose him. They refuse to listen to Jeremiah and change their lives. However, a few people believe in Jeremiah.
The Gospel recounts the tragic account of the death of John the Baptist. Herod had married his brother's wife, who was still alive, which was unlawful according to Jewish law. To cap it all, Herod also unlawfully divorced his legitimate wife without any serious reason, just to marry Herodias. This immoral act of Herod was outrightly condemned by John the Baptist. It was outrageous for Herod, hence he wanted to kill John but was afraid of the people. Unfortunately, on his birthday, Salome, the daughter of Herodias, danced and impressed everyone. Consequently, the king promised her anything she requested. The girl, on the advice of her mother, asked for the head of John the Baptist. What a gruesome scene! This episode projects the stubbornness of Herod and Herodias to acknowledge their faults and change themselves. Though the truth spoken by John was stern and hurtful, it didn't touch their hearts but their emotions. As a result, they were determined to kill John and ultimately succeeded.
Dear friends, it's admitted that truth spoken to one's face hurts tremendously, but if the fault is admitted and transformation takes place, that failure becomes a lesson rather than remaining a hurt feeling. As the first reading reminds us, God gives us the chance to begin afresh and think anew. We are also expected to bring changes in ourselves every day, shifting from our failures, weaknesses, and shortcomings to newness of life. Every new day is a sign that God gives us a new opportunity to become better day by day. We can also be like Herod and Herodias, who remained stubborn and refused to change, despite knowing their faults. Let's not be drowned in the mire of mistakes, committing mistakes after mistakes like Herod and Herodias, but find a way to begin anew.
The Church proposes the Sacrament of Reconciliation to overcome our sins and failures and become a new person each time. St. Ignatius of Loyola proposed the "examination of conscience" as a way to check ourselves, to see whether we are on the right track or have gone astray due to our weaknesses. It is imperative to look into ourselves at the close of the day to see whether we have become better or remained the same. By doing so, we bring about changes in ourselves every day.
May God help us change ourselves and become new people: more loving, caring, and considerate.
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