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Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and
kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much
perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Mark 6:20
Ideally, when the Gospel is preached and received by another, the
effect is that the receiver is filled with joy, consolation and a
desire to change. The Gospel is transforming for those who truly
listen and respond with generosity. But what about those who do not
respond with generosity? What effect does the Gospel have upon
them? Our Gospel today gives us that answer.
The line above comes from the story of the beheading of Saint John
the Baptist. The bad actors in this story are Herod, Herod’s
illegitimate wife Herodias, and Herodias’ daughter (traditionally
named Salome). John had been imprisoned by Herod because John told
Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” But
what’s most interesting about this story is that, even in prison,
Herod would listen to John preach. But instead of leading Herod to
conversion, he was left “perplexed” by what John preached.
Being “perplexed” was not the only reaction to John’s preaching.
Herodias’ reaction was one of hatred. She appeared to be stung to
the heart by John’s condemnation of her “marriage” to Herod, and it
was she who then orchestrated John’s beheading.
This Gospel, then, teaches us of two other common reactions to the
Truth of the holy Gospel when it is preached. One is hatred and
another is confusion (being perplexed). Obviously, hatred is far
worse than simply being perplexed. But neither is the right
reaction to the words of Truth.
What is your reaction to the full Gospel when it is preached? Are
there aspects of the Gospel that leave you uneasy? Are there
teachings of our Lord that confuse you or lead you to anger? First
look within your own heart to determine if you struggle with having
a similar reaction as did Herod and Herodias. And then consider how
the world reacts to the Truth of the Gospel. We should not be
surprised at all that we find many Herods and Herodiases alive
today.
Reflect, today, upon any ways that you see the Gospel being
rejected on one level or another. If you sense this within your own
heart, then repent with all your might. If you see it elsewhere, do
not allow the hostility to shake you or concern you. Keep your mind
and heart upon the Truth and remain steadfast no matter the
reaction you encounter.
My Lord of all Truth, Your Word and Your Word alone brings grace
and salvation. Please give me the grace I need to always listen to
Your Word and to respond generously with all my heart. May I repent
when I am convicted by Your Word and may I wholeheartedly return to
You. Give me courage when others reject Your Truth and wisdom to
know how to share that Word with love. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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Pieter de Grebber, Public domain, via Wikimedia
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