The gospel for Saturday of the 17th week in Ordinary Time is taken from Matthew 14:12. 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. This 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 oath and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given. And he had John beheaded in 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. Herod was drawn to John the Baptist because he spoke wisdom, he spoke the truth. And even though he was the one who possessed the authority to stop or to make this happen, gave in, didn’t exercise his authority, but gave in to the anger and the hatred of his wife or this man, John the Baptist. It’s a frightening story of what happens when those in authority do not take seriously their responsibility. Herod was.

Was not a good man. He was afraid and let something get in the way of his absolute, God given power to protect the truth. Please reflect on the wisdom of these readings. At the end of the music, I will close with a prayer. Closing prayer Father, you’ve created a world in which you’ve given certain people responsibilities. It’s so essential that they take seriously the responsibility of preserving in every situation that which is truthful, that which is real, that which has always been truthful.

Bless our leaders. Bless the people in charge of all things, that they truly function as God has willed it to be. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.