Matthew 14: 1-12
At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet.
But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Caring for the Messenger
His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.
This particular Gospel passage has always painted a very strange scene for me. When granted one wish, this mother and daughter ask for someone to be beheaded. Very disturbing! Yet, this last line of the passage is what stayed with me when I read it this time. Jesus’ disciples cared for the body of John the Baptist. That is, they cared for the messenger.
How important is the messenger? We are all called to deliver the message of Christ. John the Baptist did so with great peril. Many were threatened by him, but he also brought great hope to many as well. No matter what, the message of the Gospel will always be challenging, will always ruffle some feathers; it will always make some uncomfortable. Jesus warned us of this reality.
But we cannot give up hope. We must persevere in faith, knowing that there is no greater message than the Gospel message of Jesus Christ…a message of faith, hope and love. Amen.
—Ed DeVenney is the Director of Campus Ministry at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his wife, Colleen are very proud of their two sons, Brendan and Daniel, who both work in Catholic education. Ed and Colleen live in northeast Ohio with their dog, Spencer.
Prayer
Lord, you call us to spread the Good News, even when it may be difficult. Give us the strength to persevere as your messengers, knowing that the truth of your message is needed by all. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team