Gospel: Matthew
14:1-12
Herod the
tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man
is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty
powers are at work in him. Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him
in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had
said to him “It is not lawful for you to have her. Although he wanted to kill
him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a
birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance
before the guests and
delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted
by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the
Baptist. The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who
were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the
prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it
to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and
they went and told Jesus.
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Reflection:
Who is King Herod? King Herod is a
tyrant a leader who will never think twice to supress anyone who dares cross his path. He will not only supress
Herod could even order the killing of anyone he wants.
Respect for human rights was not part of
the vocabulary of Herod, abuse of human rights and dignity was. This was the
reason why John the Baptist was imprisoned. John did nothing wrong he simply
said what was to be truthfully said yet John suffered for it.
The Philippines is about to enter
presidential election period. And naturally there would be leaders who will
promise everything to the electorate. There would be leaders who will try to do
everything to get sympathy. Yet we should be watchful not to be swayed by them.
Let us be observant about their pronouncements
most especially off the cuff pronouncements for this is where they reveal their
true personalities. This is where we could get a glimpse of the true character
of an aspirant for the presidency.
Let us be watchful we may bring to the
office of the presidency another King Herod. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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