Mt 14:1-12
1Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus 2and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
3Now Herod had arrested John, bound [him], and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, 4for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. 6But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod 7so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, 10and he had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 12His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.
Reflection:
Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus. What emotions well in us when we hear the reputation of others grow? What do we feel when we learn that Lady Luck has smiled on our friends? Are we angry or envious when our competitors rise above us?
Herod must be troubled and frightened when he hears about Jesus’ growing popularity. He has silenced John the Baptist. He is thinking of doing the same with Jesus.
This is the same thought that creeps into our minds when we frown on the blessings coming not to us but to our adversaries or friends. And this “injustice” eats us up and depresses us more, while the blessings of those we envy seem to double, making us angrier and troubling our soul.
The best thing to do is to behead the fear and envy in us. Put our evil thoughts and distress on a platter and throw them out. Let the dance of our neighbors’ success delight us. Soon we will be basking and sharing their blessings.
Build up the reputation of a neighbor or a co-employee.