Daily Gospel Reflection for August 5, 2017

Today's Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12

This Gospel is just a little sickening, with the conglomeration of sin that's crammed into a few sentences. To be honest, I always feel sorry for Herodias' daughter. Herod just promised her half his kingdom for her dancing skills (which, granted, probably weren't ballet) and when she asks her mom for advice, the end result is a platter with the head of the man her mom wanted revenge on. No sparkly jewelry, no noble title, just the fallout of her mom's pride and lust.

Contrast the sordid story of Herod, Herodias, the daughter, and court intrigues with the simplicity of the last two lines of today's Gospel. "His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus." When their world finally fell apart, and John's disciples were overwhelmed by grief and the sins of the world, they performed the task they knew needed to be done, and then went to Jesus. I can't help but think that a majority must have ultimately followed Him, remembering John's words to them, "Behold, the Lamb of God."

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the chaos and sorrows of the world around us. I read the news every day, and just scanning the headlines is enough to make me curl up in an incoherent little ball of tears. But the best thing to do, and really the only thing, is to continue performing our daily duties despite our fear, and then go and tell Jesus all about it.

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Ponder:

What is one fear I have today that I can tell Jesus about?

Pray:

Lord, help me to pursue the duties of my state in life with the knowledge that You are watching me and helping me, despite all my fears.

Copyright 2017 Rebecca Willen