Friday of Week 4 of Ordinary Time – Gospel

Commentary on Mark 6:14-29

Jesus was now becoming well known over a wide area. There was much speculation as to who he was (a major theme of Mark’s Gospel). Some were suggesting that he was John the Baptist (who had by this time been executed) come to life again, or that he was the prophet Elijah, who was expected to return just before the coming of the Messiah, or that he was a prophet in his own right, “like one of the prophets of old”. We know, of course, that all those speculations were wrong. The true answer will emerge very soon.

King Herod, steeped in superstition and full of fear and guilt, was convinced that Jesus was a re-incarnation of John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded. Today’s Gospel now gives us the story as to how this happened.

Herod Antipas, also known as Herod the Tetrarch, was the son of Herod the Great, who was king when Jesus was born. When the older Herod died, his kingdom was divided among his three surviving sons. Archelaus received half of the territory, Herod Antipas became ruler of Galilee and Perea, while Philip (Herod Boethus) became the ruler of the northern territory on the east side of the Jordan. The title ‘Tetrarch’ indicates that he was ruler of one quarter of the whole territory.

It is clear that Herod had great respect for John, as he would also have for Jesus later on. The problem arose because John had denounced Herod’s taking the wife (Herodias) of his half-brother Herod Boethus. This was in clear violation of Jewish law. The historian Josephus also says that Herod feared that John, so popular with the people, might instigate a riot against him.

It was this woman, Herodias, who now wanted to be rid of John, but could not do so because of Herod Antipas’ respect for him. Herod had gone as far as arresting John, but even when John was in prison, Herod loved to listen to him, despite being puzzled by John’s preaching.

Herodias saw her opportunity when Herod threw a party for his court to celebrate his birthday. She knew her husband’s weaknesses. Herodias’s daughter was brought in to dance and utterly captivated Herod. Deep in his cups, he made a rash promise. He would give her anything, even half of the territory he governed. Under the prompting of the mother, the girl makes the gruesome request for John’s head on a dish.

Herod was aghast, but because of his oath in the presence of his guests, he dared not renege on his promise. John was beheaded, and the head given to the mother. Afterwards, John’s disciples came and took his body and gave him a decent burial.

We might notice some similarities between this story and the passion of Jesus. Both Herod and Pilate recognised in John and Jesus, respectively, people of obvious goodness of life, wisdom and integrity. The hatred of Herodias for John parallels the hatred of the Jewish leaders for Jesus—in both situations the ‘haters’ called for execution by the ruler (Herod in one case, Pilate in the other). After the deaths of John and Jesus, disciples asked and received permission for a decent burial.

John is the precursor of Jesus, not only in announcing the coming of Jesus, but also in giving his life for the integrity of his beliefs and in bringing God’s message to the people. We are called to do the same. Preparing the way for Jesus and his message must become an integral part of every Christian’s life. Without our cooperation, without our going ahead of Jesus, his message will not be heard.

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Friday of Week 4 of Ordinary Time – First Reading

Commentary on Hebrews 13:1-8

As we come to the end of the Letter there are the usual pieces of practical advice, each one calling for personal reflection.

The Hebrew Christians are instructed to:

Love each other like brothers and sisters.
This is a central teaching of the New Testament. At the Last Supper Jesus gave his “new” commandment:

…love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
(John 13:34-35)

If our every word, action and relationship is based on this commandment, we cannot go far wrong. See also Paul’s famous hymn to love in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, and chapters 3 and 4 of 1 John.

Welcome strangers.
The people may be entertaining an angel without knowing it. This happened to Abraham when he offered the hospitality of his home to three strangers. The same ‘angels’ were also received in the house of Lot, who lived in Sodom (Genesis chap 18-19). Similarly, Gideon (chap 6) and Manoah (chap 13-16) in the Book of Judges entertained people who were in fact God’s messengers. We, of course, are called on to recognise the presence of Christ in every person and most of all, in the needy stranger:

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me. (Matt 25:40)

Remember those who are in prison and emphathise with their situation.
God loves them too, no matter what they may have done:

I was in prison and you visited me. (Matt 25:36)

The reason for the imprisonment is not mentioned; it seems not to be a relevant factor.

Remember those being abused or oppressed in any way.
Again, such people are to be treated in the way one would like to be treated if found in such a situation.

Respect the marriages of others and maintain the fidelity of their own.
Fornication and adultery will bring down God’s judgement; such behaviour is not for Christians.

Remove monetary greed from their lives and be content with what they have.
Jesus had said:

Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. (Luke 12:15)

Also, Paul said:

I have learned to be content with whatever I have. (Phil 4:11)

The reason is that God looks after his own. This is especially true when we belong to a good community; everyone will take care of everyone else. So the author of Hebrews quotes from Psalm 118 in support of what he is saying:

With the Lord on my side I do not fear.
What can mortals do to me? (Ps 118:6)

Respect those leaders who brought the Word of God to them.
They may be already dead but the memory of their lives provides models for them to follow.

The author sums up his teaching by reminding them that the Risen Jesus is still with them:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The Jesus they know in their present Christian life is exactly the same as the Jesus of “yesterday” who walked the roads of Galilee, preached his Gospel, died on the Cross and rose again. And he is the same Jesus whom they will meet in the life to come.

For them now to compromise Jesus’ absolute supremacy by going back to the ways of the old dispensation, the old priesthood and rituals, is to turn their backs on something far more assuring—the redemptive life and work of Jesus, the Son of God. The instructions here are just as relevant for us today as they were for the Hebrews to whom this Letter was addressed.

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