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| “The Martyrdom of St Agatha” by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, c. 1756 |
Commentary:
Reading I: Sirach 47:2-11
Commentary on Sir 47:2-11
This selection is part of the eulogy of Israel
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 18:31, 47 and 50, 51
R. (see 47b) Blessed be God my salvation!
Commentary on Ps 18:31, 47 and 50, 51
Psalm 18 is a hymn of thanksgiving for God’s salvation. While in its full form it is in thanks for victory following a physical battle, here we see that thanks given for heavenly aid in difficult situations.
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Gospel: Mark 6:14-29
Commentary on Mk 6:14-29
Mark’s account of the capture and execution of St. John the Baptist is presented in this pericope, or excerpt. We note the story has many similarities with Jesus’ encounter with Pilate later in the Gospel (Mark 15:1-47). Both Herod and Pilate acknowledge the holiness of the ones they are to put to death. In both cases following the executions, faithful followers insure the body is given a respectful burial. St. Matthew’s Gospel gives a more complete introduction of Herod and Herodias (see Matthew 14:1-3). The actual account presented here is done as a flashback, as Herod questions the identity of Jesus whose disciples have just been sent into his region with great authority.
CCC: Mk 6:17-29 523
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Reflection:
If we were unfamiliar with the saga of our savior and were hearing this story for the first time, told as it was in the centuries following Jesus’ death, when the storyteller relates the death of St. John the Baptist, the audience would react with surprise. It would have been clear to them that this eccentric prophet was a major player in the story of Jesus. St. John had recognized Jesus before his birth. He knew who Jesus was when the Lord came to him to be baptized in the Jordan. He must surely have recognized Jesus’ purpose in God’s plan as he languished in Herod’s prison.
Even before Salome’s dance, the Baptist knew his part of the story was done. He had left clues for the careful listener. He had said, “…he must increase, I must decrease,” as the disciples of Jesus were baptizing at the Jordan (John 3:29-30). Even so, some listeners might be shocked that one so mighty in God’s eyes would be killed in such a way, beheaded to satisfy the wicked vanity of a harlot.
The first-time listeners might have wondered then: if God sacrificed St. John in such a way, can the Son of God be headed for a happy ending? There might have been some suspense. They may have been waiting to see if Jesus would strike down the evil Herod in revenge. “Ah, but that was not the Lord’s way,” the story teller would have explained. Jesus was sad at the loss of his cousin, but remember, he came to forgive sin, not as the vengeful God understood by the Jews who only had the Law and Prophets.
We, in our time, hear the story of the death of St. John and are reminded (because we know the whole story) that Jesus too will suffer and die at the hands of such people. We recall that it was for this purpose the Savior was sent into the world. Today as we consider the roles of St. John
Pax
[2] The picture is “The Martyrdom of St Agatha” by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, c. 1756
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