A Bad Oath
Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 6:14-29- King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 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. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“John had said to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
It is worth looking at the lives and roles of these two very different men in the Gospel: Herod and John the Baptist. Herod was a selfish ruler who was immoral and a bad family man. His life exemplifies how sin grows greater and greater: from self-indulgence to selfishness and pride, to adultery, and finally to murder. John was a righteous and holy man. His life exemplifies how devoting one’s life to Christ means also devoting one’s self to defending truth, faith, and morals—as John defended marriage.
There are lots of opportunities to grow in sin today (especially sexual sin). There are also lots of opportunities to defend the dignity of human sexuality and marriage. Make no mistake, there is an invisible war going on in this area. If we are Christians who treasure the truth of the Gospel, we must stand very firm (maybe speaking up publically at times) on sexual morality and the nature of marriage. If good people do nothing, the invisible enemy will continue to progress. In prayer, consider how we stand up for sexual morality and the values of marriage.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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