Daily Gospel Reflection for February 3, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

This reading always makes me want to reach back in time and shake King Herod by the collar. Come on, man, don’t do it! You know there is something good about John the Baptist, even if it does make you uncomfortable. Human weakness is on full display as we watch King Herod stumble his way into such a horrific predicament.

Herod is a great example for why you should always think before you act. Easy to say, difficult to do, don’t I know it! Looking at Herod’s poor decisions illuminates why a pause would have saved him and others a lot of trouble.

First, he married his brother’s wife. We all knew that wasn’t going to end well. Then, he gives into pressure to have John the Baptist arrested. A compromise, he probably thought. He found John interesting but also a troublesome nuisance. Arresting him placated Herodias, and Herod still could hear him speak from time to time.

Then there came the party. The party in itself was probably a fine, even an expected choice given it was his birthday. But the promises Herod made to his daughter were foolish and unrealistic. Ultimately, they became a trap for him in which he could see no way out. John lost his life because of it. It is never easy to take ownership of our part of a sticky situation.

It is much easier to point a finger to others’ actions or inaction. “They did X.” “She said Y.” “I had no choice!” Jesus told us to “remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). Taking the time to think of the consequences of our actions could save us a heartache like Herod’s.

Ponder:

In what situation is God encouraging you to consider your actions before you commit to them?

Pray:

Heavenly Father, reveal to me the times where I entrap myself in sinful choices. Stretch out Your hand of salvation, grace, and mercy to me and give me the courage to stretch mine back to You.

Click to tweet:
Herod is a great example for why you should always think before you act. Easy to say, difficult to do. Looking at Herod’s poor decisions illuminates why a pause would have saved him a lot of trouble. #DailyGospel

Daily Gospel 2