Daily Gospel Reflection for August 2, 2025

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

Herod was in a deeply sinful state. But even in his wretchedness, he recognized the power of God in John the Baptist. John was a great prophet, and he spoke with authority. He told Herod specifically and repeatedly that he should not be living with his brother’s wife.

Herod was consumed with lust. On the night of his birthday party, he was probably also drunk. His reaction to the dance of the daughter of Herodias was clearly overdone. What a stupid thing to promise the girl. What was he thinking? The words themselves communicate the excess that was part of Herod’s life. He was stuck, very stuck, in sin. He could listen to the words of the great John the Baptist whenever he chose, and yet the words did not take hold. Sin clouds the mind and the conscience. And sin begets sin.

Perhaps this is the message that we can teach to our children. Those who are in the state of sin cannot clearly see the truth. They are therefore apt to sin even further. When we sin, especially if we sin gravely, we must remedy the situation by going to Confession. If we do not, it will get worse.

Herod, in his sinfulness, fell even further by succumbing to pride. There were guests present and he had taken an oath. Scripture tells us that he “was distressed.” Why not talk to the girl privately and explain that he could give her anything else, but not the head of John the Baptist? He could not do that because, in addition to his lust and his drunkenness, he had fallen to pride. What would people think?

May we warn our young ones to be careful what they say. Herod’s rash words caused him to brutally murder a great prophet.

Ponder:

What lesson can we learn from Herod’s series of grave sins? How can we prevent such tragedies in our own lives?

Pray:

O Lord, please keep us close to You. Please warn us when we stray, that in our human stupidity and sinfulness, we may change directions and come back to You.

CM DGR daily sq