On August 29, the Church will memorialize the Passion of St. John the Baptist, as told in the Gospel of Mark. Today’s account from Matthew gives us another chance to recall the immoral and corrupt history of the Herodian dynasty. Herod the tetrarch, who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist—without a trial—is also known as Herod Antipas. He was a son of Herod “the Great” who ruled during the time of Christ’s birth (see Matthew 2:1-16). After meeting the magi, Herod martyred the Holy Innocents as insurance against one of those young Jewish sons becoming a rival “King of the Jews.”
With his execution under Herod Antipas, John became a forerunner to Jesus in death as he was in life. Herod Antipas would later meet Jesus before he was finally handed over to be crucified by Pilate (Luke 23:8-12).
Jesus died as a criminal despite being an innocent man. And so have many of his followers.
While using a good bit of Hollywood poetic license, I have enjoyed watching The Chosen. I'm a bit behind on the series and just watched episode 1 of season 4, which told the story of John the Baptist. The switching of scenes between John being presented as a baby while Zechariah read his canticle and laying his head on the block awaiting execution was intense. While I don't believe martyrdom is in my future, I hope that as I face trials and suffering, I smile as John did when he looked out the window and saw a single lamb in the field.
KJC. I'll make sure to watch episode 2 tonight or tomorrow and thank you for the insight.
Rusty I just watched season 4 episode 2 of the chosen last night. And I too read "our daily bread in the morning along with 6 others, 2 are from guideposts. Today's Padre Pio saying is Oh how precious time is! Blessed are those who know how to make use of it, because on the day of judgment, all will have to render or strict account of it to the supreme judge. Padre Pio's statement for today. Wisdom of the saints today is "The Lord is loving onto man, and swift to pardon, but slow to punish. Let no man, therefore despair of his own salvation" Saint Cyril of Jerusalem. Ken
We can find a ray of sunshine and joy at the return of the American prisoners and those from other countries being returned to their loved ones through diplomacy and level headedness. May Our Lord bless all of them and their families. We’re glad you’re home safe.
Pat thank you for your words of encouragement . They must have been hard to find with this this reading in all the heartache is creates. I pray society does not regress into evil like this. Our world these days is filled with so much violence anymore it's a legitimate worry. Blessings to all the LFF. Prayers for those needing an extra hand these days and for the souls of violence. May we all try to go out and spread Gods love through all the world.
What a sad story: a king was too weak to do the right thing. He didn’t want to “lose face” by reneging on his promise; instead he caused John to lose his head. Before I make promises or make impulsive decisions, I need to seek God’s advice.
Good for you Bruce for it appears we are living in a society of not caring about doing the right thing and just looking good.
Pat, love this reflection and the matching pictures of the 8 apostles and saints and how they are martyred. The stained glass windows are beautiful, complex, and filled with light like the lives they portray. The stories of all the Herod bloodline are so atrocious. In Matthew Kelly’s reflection today he commented that Herod Antipas at this point in his life may have been suffering from mental illness, given the mix of paranoia, arrogance and lunacy in the fulfilled beheading request. Lord, help us to advocate for the innocents so justice will prevail. Praying for a positive CAT scan, Irene and Shawn’s continued recovery and lifting Christine and all caregivers in their important and loving role. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, and those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
LF family, please pray for my son-in-law, Ethan, and his shipmates on the USS Abraham Lincoln, headed to the Middle East. Please pray for their safety and that the issue in that region may be resolved without further violence. Praying for all who are suffering the effects of the conflict there, and for the safe return of those taken. Amen.
May the Lord God continue to keep Our Troops in His care--in Jesus Name!
Will pray protective prayers over your son and his shipmates. May God bless them and keep them safe.
Mary I am praying for Ethan and his ship mates and all those on other ships in the tas force,right now. Ken
Lifting your son in law and all his shipmates in prayer for a safe mission in the Middle East. Many prayers for the people of those countries.
Prayers for all on the ship and for peace through all the world.
Mary, praying that God’s peace invades this region and Ethan comes home with all others safely. Amen.
Prayers for all who are taken from us through senseless violence. Our society has become so heartless, so cruel. Life just does not matter to so many. This whole world need's healing. I pray for all victims and their families. May the peace of Christ be with them.
We are in the end times when right will be called wrong and wrong will be called right. Pray for forgiveness before God's punishment!
All you saints and martyrs of God, pray for us. St.John the Baptist, pray for us. Praying for the soul of a 13 year old boy ,who was innocently taken from this life through gun violence as he slept in his bed two nights ago. Lord Jesus have mercy upon us.
Many prayers for the 13 year old who died from gun violence. May he rest in the peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the angels of Heaven. Also praying for understanding and healing of minds who must resort to this cruel violence.
Prayers for that poor boys soul and his family suffering from this senseless act.
JJC…praying in sorrow and hope. Lord have mercy.
JJC, thank you for sending this. I pray the angels quickly shepherded him to a place of peace and joy. May his family be comforted during this time of grieving. Eternal rest grant unto your angel and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.
Praying for the soul for this boy and comfort for his family
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Amen.