Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and 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.”

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,
for they regarded him as a prophet.
But at a birthday celebration for Herod,
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Prompted by her mother, she said,
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,
who took it to her mother.
His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

Living in Sin

Today, we reflect on Herod and Herodias, living in an illicit union—in sin. We see how this situation, far from bringing them closer to each other or to God, drags them deeper into the mud. Herod lives in fear, constantly worried about what others think, unable to forget the terrible injustice he committed—when he hears about Jesus, he thinks John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Herodias goes as far as manipulating her own daughter, dragging her into participating in John’s murder. How important it is to live in a state of Grace! To pray and draw near to the sacraments—especially for married couples: the sacrament of Matrimony, the Eucharist (the center), and frequent Confession. In this way, the Lord helps us purify our hearts and gives us the strength to help others draw closer to Him as well.

Applied to Married Life

Ángela: (shouting) Who left the toothpaste cap off again? Seriously… it’s exhausting. I’m the only one cleaning up while the rest of you are turning the house upside down. Ramón, you’re worse than the kids. I can’t take it anymore! Lord, give me patience, because if You give me strength…

(Later during personal prayer)

Ángela: Lord, once again I let myself be carried away by exhaustion and focused only on myself. I keep falling over and over again. I don’t know what to do… it hurts so much, the way I spoke to my husband in front of our children. What can I do? Ah! Of course—my perspective is clouded. I’m going to go to confession! Thank You, Lord.

(That night during family prayer)

Ángela: I want to ask your forgiveness for the way I spoke to you this morning, especially to Dad. I’ve been praying about it and I also talked with our parish priest, Father Antonio, after confession. I know I need to keep working on how I give myself to our family. I ask you to help me when you see me getting tired—that’s when it’s hardest for me. Thank you, Lord, for giving me such a beautiful family. May we all reach holiness.

Ramón: Amen, Ángela. Thank you for your constant dedication to our family and for teaching us to ask for forgiveness—you’re an example of humility and perseverance. Lord, thank You for such a wonderful wife. From now on, we’ll each be more mindful about picking up after ourselves. It’s important that we all do our part.

Mother,

You are our model. Today I see you giving yourself silently and humbly in the task of making your house a home. With what sweetness you must have carried out every small act of love—cooking, tidying up, making the beds… Help us to put love into everything we do, especially with our families. Glory and praise to our Lord forever!