Gospel: August 2, 2025
August 2, 2025 (Saturday)
17th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 1 (Green/White)
Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop
St. Peter Julian Eymard, priest
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
O God, let all the nations praise you
1st Reading: Leviticus 25:1, 8-17
Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12
At that time, the reports about Jesus reached king Herod. And he said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. John has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in John.” Herod had, in fact, ordered that John be arrested, bound in chains and put in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. For John had said to Herod, “It is not right for you to have her as your wife.” Herod wanted to kill him but he did not dare, because he feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet. On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced among the guests; she so delighted Herod that he promised under oath to give her anything she asked for. The girl, following the advice of her mother, said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist, here, on a dish.” The king was very displeased, but because he had made his promise under oath, in the presence of his guests, he ordered it to be given to her. So he had John beheaded in prison, and his head brought on a dish and given to the girl. The girl then took it to her mother. Then John’s disciples came, took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Reflection:
“Fear of the people”
“You shall not wrong one another but you shall fear your God” This command is at the heart of today’s readings. King Herod is haunted by what he has done to John the Baptist, and so he thinks hat John has risen from the dead when he hears about a preacher performing miracles. Herod had sinned by marrying his brother’s wife and he was angered by John’s public criticism, even to the point of wanting to kill him. Yet, it was not his fear of God that had stopped him from ordering John’s execution, but his fear of the people. He was more concerned about keeping his throne than saving his soul. Herodias, however, had no fear of the consequences and so used Herod’s foolishly extravagant oath as an occasion to have John beheaded. Now Herod’s deeds are surfacing in his conscience as he realizes the gravity of his wrongdoing. In contrast to Herod’s actions, Moses hears that respect for God and his Law is the fundamental reason for mutual respect between the people. God commands that our dealings with others bring fairness and freedom, and not injustice and oppression. We are to remember the Lord and do no wrong.
