Passion of John the Baptist
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak, he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.
(Mark 6:20)
Herod had arrested John, but he protected him. Herodias, his wife wanted to kill John but was unable until she “found an opportunity” on Herod’s birthday, when he made his notorious, rash promise. He would not go back on his foolish word.
If Herod had listened to his own heart and heeded John, opening himself to understand, the Baptist might not have been martyred. Still, he preceded you, my Jesus, in death as he had in his life and ministry. His passion anticipated yours.
What is it about your will that perplexes me? I cling to your words, Lord, but I cannot completely understand. Help me to trust you, and you will show me what to do. If I am centered in you, the vanities of this world will not distract me. As Paul writes to the Thessalonians, I will “aspire to lead a tranquil life.”