Homily (Reflection) for Memorial of
the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (29th August, 2016) on the
Gospel and the Memorial
Jer 1:17-19;
Ps 70:1-6.15.17. (R. v.15); Mk 6:17-29.
According to the Synoptic Gospels, Herod, who was
tetrarch, or sub-king, of Galilee under the Roman Empire, had imprisoned John
the Baptist because he reproved Herod for divorcing his wife (Phasaelis) and
unlawfully taking Herodias, the wife of his brother Herod Philip I as wife, cf.
Matt 14:3-4; Mk 6:17-18; Lk 9:7-9.
On Herod's birthday, Herodias's daughter danced before Herod and his guests.
Her dancing pleased Herod so much that in his drunkenness he promised to give
her anything she desired, up to half of his kingdom. Through the instigation of
her mother, she preferred the head of John the Baptist on a dish. Though Herod
was deeply grieved but her request prevailed because of Herod’s oaths and for
his guests, cf. Mk 6: 26-28.[1]
Topic: Terrible is a bad adviser.
Think about the offer Herod made to Herodias’ daughter; even
half of his kingdom. It could have been probably an opportunity to be the
youngest girl to rule such a vast kingdom, to spur young girls to use their
talents positively, to raise the dignity of women when they counted not quite better
than commodities, and so on. But because of her mother’s terrible advice, she turned
her back on all these and many more to become a murderer; killed one who
brought them the message of salvation, cf. Acts
13: 26.47; Eph 1:13.
The book of Proverbs extols advice, “Fools think their own
way is right, but the wise listen to advice” (Prov 12:15). Again, “By insolence the heedless make strife, but wisdom
is with those who take advice” (Prov
13:10). The author also advices, “Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom for the future” (Prov
19:20). We also read elsewhere, “Better is a poor but wise youth than an
old and foolish king, who will no longer take advice” (Eccl 4:13).
We see in today’s gospel the power of advice (words). It is
very important to listen to advice but it is more important to consider them
before putting them into use, cf. Jas
1:19. Just one foolish advice turned Herodias’ daughter into a terrible monster.
Advisers must be very careful of what they give in the name of
advice. One piece of advice can turn an angel into a demon and vice versa. And while
giving advice, we must always remember that there is great reward for good advisers,
cf. Dan 12:3. On the other hand, there
is terrible punishment for bad advisers, cf. Matt 18:6; Mk 9:42; Lk 17:2.
Bible Reading: Prov 18:2-8; Eccl
4:9-16.
Thought for today: Give and also take only good advice.
Let us pray: God, we ask you to enlighten us to identify
the good and the bad advice; and strengthen us to accept only the good ones –
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist – Pray for us.
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