Frederick, Maryland, United States - Daily Mass Reading & Catholic Meditation “The Word among Us” for Saturday, 2 August 2014

Frederick, Maryland, United States - Daily Mass Reading & Catholic Meditation “The Word among Us” for Saturday, 2 August 2014
Meditations: Matthew 14: The Death of John
1-2 At about this time, Herod, the regional ruler, heard what was being said about Jesus. He said to his servants, “This has to be John the Baptizer come back from the dead. That’s why he’s able to work miracles!”
3-5 Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison to placate Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias “adultery.” Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid because so many people revered John as a prophet of God.
6-12 But at his birthday celebration, he got his chance. Herodias’s daughter provided the entertainment, dancing for the guests. She swept Herod away. In his drunken enthusiasm, he promised her on oath anything she wanted. Already coached by her mother, she was ready: “Give me, served up on a platter, the head of John the Baptizer.” That sobered the king up fast. Unwilling to lose face with his guests, he did it—ordered John’s head cut off and presented to the girl on a platter. She in turn gave it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples got the body, gave it a reverent burial, and reported to Jesus.
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop
Herod … swore to give her whatever she might ask for. (Matthew 14:7)
Isn’t it amazing how powerful emotions can be? Just think of the sway Herodias’ daughter held over King Herod. She was able to manipulate his emotions so that he made, and later upheld, an oath that even he knew wasn’t a good idea—killing John the Baptist. But instead of allowing his reason to prevail, and instead of humbly admitting he had spoken rashly, Herod ordered John’s execution.
We have a contrasting situation with Jeremiah. Jerusalem’s priests kept pushing the political leaders to execute Jeremiah because he had the nerve to prophesy against the city. But when Jeremiah defended himself against the charges, one official, named Ahikam, responded to the voice of reason, not to the emotional arguments that were circulating. By protecting Jeremiah from death, Ahikam stood against the tide of public outrage and did what was right.
Now, we know that our God-given emotions are good and vital parts of who we are. Where would we be without love, which draws us to each other, or without fear, which warns us of danger and seeks to protect us? But at the same time, we know that our reason, not our emotions, is meant to rule us. We need to acknowledge what our emotions are telling us, but then test these feelings to see how they measure up against God’s word and the inner voice of our consciences. This is how good decisions are made!
The good news is that God allows U-turns, no matter how bad a decision is! Herod could have changed his mind up to the very last second, and God would have blessed him immensely for it. It’s never too late to let reason rein in our emotions. It’s never too late to turn from a bad decision and try to make it right. Just as Ahikam stood strong against the outrage and wounded pride of the priests, we can stand strong against our own pride, hurt feelings, or selfishness. God is ready, at every juncture, to give us the grace we need. So never give up! Always keep your eyes open, and let the Spirit continue to teach you how to choose wisely.
“Holy Spirit, help me see why I do what I do. Help me to submit my emotions to faith and reason so that I can make godly choices!” Amen!
Jeremiah 26:11 The prophets and priests spoke first, addressing the officials, but also the people: “Death to this man! He deserves nothing less than death! He has preached against this city—you’ve heard the evidence with your own ears.”
12-13 Jeremiah spoke next, publicly addressing the officials before the crowd: “God sent me to preach against both this Temple and city everything that’s been reported to you. So do something about it! Change the way you’re living, change your behavior. Listen obediently to the Message of your God. Maybe God will reconsider the disaster he has threatened.
14-15 “As for me, I’m at your mercy—do whatever you think is best. But take warning: If you kill me, you’re killing an innocent man, and you and the city and the people in it will be liable. I didn’t say any of this on my own. God sent me and told me what to say. You’ve been listening to God speak, not Jeremiah.”
16 The court officials, backed by the people, then handed down their ruling to the priests and prophets: “Acquittal. No death sentence for this man. He has spoken to us with the authority of our God.”
24 But in Jeremiah’s case, Ahikam son of Shaphan stepped forward and took his side, preventing the mob from lynching him.)
Psalm 69:15 Don’t let the swamp be my grave, the Black Hole
Swallow me, its jaws clenched around me.
16 Now answer me, God, because you love me;
Let me see your great mercy full-face.
30 Let me shout God’s name with a praising song,
Let me tell his greatness in a prayer of thanks.
31 For God, this is better than oxen on the altar,
Far better than blue-ribbon bulls.
33 For God listens to the poor,
He doesn’t walk out on the wretched.
34 You heavens, praise him; praise him, earth;
Also ocean and all things that swim in it.
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