Righteous and Holy – Reflection on Mark 6:17-29
Like the generations of Biblical “Herods,” evil continues into our time to influence some people and groups to desire total domination. These situations create environments in which innocents fear for their lives. It is a complex moral issue because the answer is not always fighting fire with fire. We are not without hope as our mindset is to cry out for God’s mercy. We can show the world in a humble way what it means to be righteous and holy instead of letting evil influence us. As a crowd of two or more, in memory of John the Baptist and others, in Jesus’s name, resonating with the persecution we can pray, “Satan get behind us.”
The Head of Saint John the Baptist on a Charger by James Tissot (full resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 6:17-29 – Scripture*
17 For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. 18 For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” 23 And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25 Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Additional Thoughts
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
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This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 6 Bible passage.
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This Lectio Divina on Mark 6:17-29 Reflection – Righteous and Holy is in the Lectionary season of Ordinary Time.
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