Mark 6:25-26
The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her.
How many times do we make promises which we later regret? Often, we have a hard time saying no, especially when we know we have other priorities to attend to. This is the theme in today's Gospel, which we hear King Herod promise his daughter anything that she may want in front of the King's esteemed audience. After consulting with her mother, King Herod's daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist. Herod had a choice between honoring his word and sparing the life of John the Baptist. Herod, with his reputation at risk, he chose to honor his daughter's request.
Each day we have to choices to make that aren't always easy. Each day, we have to attend to many responsibilities including work, family life, and our own well-being. When saying yes or no to this commitment or that, we must settle ourselves until the peace of Christ controls our hearts. When making a decision, the answer may not always be clear at first, but the peace of Christ will lead us and sustain us as we continue to seek God's will.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Kenneth Keenan, Theology I
Home parish: Our Lady of Lourdes
Did you know...
My favorite food is pizza.
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
