By P.A. Devadoss csc
Readings: Lev 25:1,8-17; Mt 14:1-12
It is Herod Antipas’ birthday. The palace has a festive look. It is full of dignitaries. They hail from far and wide. They are gathered together for a grand celebration. The celebration is on a high pitch. They are fully drunk, and over and above are enthralled in Salome’s sensational dance. Herod too was drunk and excited with Salome’s seductive dance.
Herod lost control of himself and made promises in public that later on he would regret. He promised under oath “to give her anything she asked for.” She consults her mother. Herodias is happy for the chance she got to get her pound of flesh. She prompts her to ask Herod “to give the head of John the Baptist on a dish.”
Herod is badly caught up and is in a fix. He had made a promise to her in his drunkenness and excitement and in front of his invited dignitaries. He could not go back on his words. He is compelled to fulfill what she asked for. He believed that John was a prophet. He had no intention to kill John the Baptist. He realized the blunder he made but it was too late.
We too are like Herod in our life situations. When our feelings are high or low, we often spit out things which we later find too difficult to fulfill. We do things that we should not, to protect our pride, ego, and public image.
Herod lost his head by opening his mouth; John opened his mouth and had to lose his head.