Matthew 14:1-12
At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus. And he said to his servants: This is John the Baptist: he is risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works shew forth themselves in him. For Herod had apprehended John and bound him, and put him into prison, because of Herodias, his brother’s wife. For John said to him: It is not lawful for thee to have her. And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet. But on Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him. But she being instructed before by her mother, said: Give me here in a dish the head of John the Baptist. And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a dish: and it was given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body, and buried it, and came and told Jesus.
John the Baptist’s courage before earthly power reminds us that faithfulness to God sometimes comes at a cost. Herod feared the truth because it challenged his choices, yet John remained steadfast. This Gospel encourages us to stand for what is right even when it is difficult or unpopular. Christian discipleship requires integrity, honesty, and trust in God above all else. When we remain faithful to the truth with humility and love, we become witnesses to God’s Kingdom. May we have the courage of John the Baptist to follow God’s will no matter the consequences.