Readings: Leviticus 25:1,8-17, Ps. 67:2-3,5,7-8, Matthew 14:1-12
“Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in prison.” (Matthew 14:8-10)
While our first reading today contains God’s instructions to Moses for the establishment of the year of Jubilee, our Gospel passage contains circumstances surrounding the death of John the Baptist, about whom Jesus said: “Among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11).
John the Baptist died in active service. Like a soldier on a battleground, he died proclaiming the truth of the sanctity of marriage. Regardless of how our society paints it, adultery is a sin. It is an offence against God and humanity. John the Baptist told Herod, “It is not right to have your brother’s wife.” For daring to tell him the truth, Herod arrested and imprisoned John. Herod felt that since he was rich and powerful, he was above God, who specifically instructed: “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
Should John the Baptist have kept quiet? That would mean he has failed as the voice of conscience in society. So many preachers today are more concerned about financial prosperity than spiritual prosperity. We have become like some doctors who treat patients without advising them on how to prevent recurring hospitalisations.
The book of Proverbs says: “Drink water from your cistern, flowing water from your well… Let them be for yourself alone, and not for sharing with strangers. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth... May her breasts satisfy you at all times; may you always be intoxicated by her love. Why should you be intoxicated, my son, by another woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For human ways are under the eyes of the Lord, and he examines all their paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare them, and they are caught in the toils of their sin. They die for lack of discipline, and because of their great folly, they are lost.” (Proverbs 5:15-23)
Apart from being an offence against God, adultery destroys trust in the marital bond. It goes beyond merely satisfying your bodily craving; it is a sign of indiscipline and inability to keep one’s word. I saw a quote recently by a businessman: “I don’t do business with men who cheat on their wives; if they cannot be faithful to someone who shares the same bed with them, they can never be faithful with their business partners.” A man or woman who can lie to their spouse will tell lies to anyone any day.
Sex is reserved only for marriage because it is an act of total self-giving, and you can only give yourself to someone you are married to. Adultery is theft; it is like removing the engine from a car and still claiming to have a car. Faithfulness to one’s spouse attracts God’s blessings. The book of Proverbs teaches us: “Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So, you will find favour and good repute in the sight of God and people.” (Proverbs 3:3-4).
What did David gain from his affair with Bathsheba, which eventually led to the death of Uriah? Rather than repent, Herodias sought an opportunity to kill John the Baptist as if killing the prophet equals killing the truth. David thought that by killing Uriah, he would bury the truth. He did not know that by his act of adultery, he had lost moral authority in his house. One of his sons raped his sister. Another son killed his brother and eventually tried to overthrow David. There is nothing to gain from adultery. Stop it!
One lesson from today’s Gospel passage is to avoid making promises or talking too much when we are happy or intoxicated (under alcohol). While drinking alcohol is not a sin, we must be responsible for whatever we do or say afterwards. Herod could not return his words when he realised the girl asked for John the Baptist’s head. She could have also asked for Herod’s head. Think before you speak.
On the other hand, Herod only gave the order to behead John the Baptist because he hated listening to his preaching. Herod thought he would have peace by killing John the Baptist, but he was never at peace. When he heard the fame of Jesus, he wished it were a return of John the Baptist. The only reward we enjoy from sin is death. (Romans 6:23)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us an increase of self-control. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 17 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Leviticus 25:1,8-17, Ps. 67:2-3,5,7-8, Matthew 14:1-12)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu