(Optional Memorial for the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome)
(Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
On Saturdays in Ordinary Time when there is no obligatory memorial, an optional memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary is allowed.[1] Mass texts may be taken from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from a Votive Mass, or from the special collection of Masses for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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| “St John Reproaching Herod” by Mattia Preti,1662-66 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Leviticus 25:1, 8-17
Commentary on Lv 25:1, 8-17
The establishment of the Jubilee (taken from the Hebrew word yobel or “ram's horn” blown in response to the instruction) was important for preserving economic equilibrium among the Israelites. The rule was that land had to be returned to its original owner in the Jubilee year. According to later prophets who denounced those who did not abide by this law, the people did not follow this law very well. The whole concept was that the land was a divine gift, and those to whom it was given were to hold it in trust for the Lord. Featured prominently is the use of the “perfect number,” in Hebrew numerology, 7.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!
Commentary on Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
This Psalm is a song of thanksgiving. These strophes request a blessing, that through the Lord’s graciousness the nation might be an example of faith others will follow. Psalm 67 recalls the gift of creation in its thankfulness for the harvest, the fruits of God’s bounty. The land given to the people was a divine gift that provided sustenance and home.
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Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12
Commentary on Mt 14:1-12
In this passage, recalling the manner of the death of John the Baptist, Herod unwittingly predicts Jesus' future glory as he assumes that the Lord is John the Baptist, raised from the dead. His guilt over the murder of John weighs heavily on him.
In St. Matthew’s account of the murder of John the Baptist, we note that there is a much more detailed explanation than that found in the Gospel of St. Mark (Mark 6:14ff). We also see that, according to St. Matthew, the murder of St. John was the intent of Herod from the beginning, where St. Mark’s Gospel infers it was Herodias that manipulated him into the act.
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Reflection:
The evil one does not need much of an opening to find ways to tilt those who are ambivalent about the faith. Look at today’s Gospel. King Herod was not inclined to harm John the Baptist. He was worried about him, yes. He thought John might stir up the people in revolt against him because of his reputation as Holy Man and Prophet. That is why John was arrested.
Tradition also holds that John was critical of Herod for entering into an adulterous relationship with Herodias who had first married her uncle Herod II, had given birth to Salome her daughter, then married another uncle Herod Antipas (the Herod in our Gospel story). It was Herodias that really wanted John killed. She was shamed by his call to repentance, and her sin was an open door for the evil one who used the occasion of the birthday of Herod Antipas to have Salome tempt Herod into offering her anything she wanted, publicly.
In this way, John the Baptist, who had from the beginning pre-figured Christ, first announcing his coming as the Messiah, then providing some of his first disciples (remember, Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, was one of John’s disciples first), now precedes him in death. As we hear later in the Gospel story, this event greatly affected the Lord. The evil one could not get directly to Jesus, but he found a way to hurt him nonetheless.
Following this story, we see how “the worm turns,” twisting the will of weak and sinful people to do his will. It is a lesson for us. It was not the evil intent of Herod to murder John; he was tricked into the act. Was he culpable? Absolutely. Was he the tool of the evil one? Again, absolutely. It has been so from the time when Eve was deceived in the Garden and brought Adam with her into sin.
This lesson reminds us that we must constantly be on our guard. It is easy for those whose guilt is allowed to fester to be twisted and turned into tools to use against us. How simple it seems for that evil, which injured even the Lord of life, to injure him again because of his love for us.
Pax
[1] General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar Miscellaneous Notes no. 5
[2] The picture is “St John Reproaching Herod” by Mattia Preti,1662-66
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