Week 37 - The Journey
"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." Matthew 14:3-12
Freedom. Seems like a strange word to identify with these verses. But as I sat with God in scripture, these two men, both created in His image, were given freedom. Freedom to choose their path in life. Interesting enough, their parents helped form who they had become.
Herod's father was Herod the great who ordered the slaughter of the innocent. He had no value for life nor the laws given by God for he was a god. He chose his path. John the Baptist chose his path as well, choosing to become a slave of Christ. Choosing to honor God. Standing for truth and being enslaved by it.
What things in my life am I enslaved to? I am freely choosing my path. There are consequences to my choices, either life (eternal) or death (eternal). John's baptism of repentance is just as valid today as it was back then. Will we humble ourselves and go before our Lord to be His witness in our daily lives? God loves us that much that He gives us what we ask for.
What is God saying to me? In the stillness I Am there, gazing upon our creation, in love. Even when it hurts.
Dear Father, there is truth when we sit together having a real look at myself. Still moving towards You, yet knowing that there is more that I must work on. I recognize my own sinfulness and I recognize Your love. Give us strength to be Your faithful witnesses in a world that seeks to destroy truth for its own self interests. Bless this morning and all this day has to offer. In Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Full of Grace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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