First Reading (Jeremiah 26,11-16,24)
Reading of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah.
In those days, the priests and prophets addressed the leaders and all the people, saying: “This man is condemned to death, because he prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.” Jeremiah said to the dignitaries and all the people, “The Lord has sent me to prophesy concerning this house and this city in accordance with all the words you have heard. Now therefore, take heed to yourselves and to your deeds, and listen to the voice of the Lord your God, for he will repent of the judgment he has made against you. I am here in your hands; do with me as you see fit and right, but know this: if you put me to death, you will have shed innocent blood against yourselves and against this city and its inhabitants, for the Lord has sent me to you to speak all this in your hearing.” The leaders and the people in general said to the priests and prophets, “This man does not deserve to be put to death; he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.” Then Ahikam son of Shaphan protected Jeremiah so that he would not fall into the hands of the people and be put to death.
– The word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (Matthew 14,1-12)
Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew.
— Glory to you, O Lord!
At that time, Herod the governor heard about Jesus. He told his servants, “This is John the Baptist, raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” Herod had already arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have her as your wife.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, who regarded him as a prophet. On Herod’s birthday, Herodias’ daughter danced before them all, and pleased Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here, on a platter, the head of John the Baptist.” The king was sad, but because of the oath he had sworn before the guests, he ordered her request to be granted. And he ordered John’s head to be cut off in prison. Then the head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples went to get the body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus everything.
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we are invited to reflect on two readings that speak to us about the courage to proclaim the truth, even in the face of adversity and danger. The readings from Jeremiah and the Gospel of Matthew challenge us to live with integrity, fidelity, and courage, following the example of the prophets and of John the Baptist.
In the first reading, we find the prophet Jeremiah in an extremely dangerous situation. Jeremiah is accused by the priests and prophets of Jerusalem of blasphemy and, consequently, of being worthy of death. He had prophesied against the city and the temple, warning the people of impending destruction due to their disobedience to God. “This man deserves death, because he prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears,” they said.
Let us imagine the scene for a moment. Jeremiah, alone, facing a hostile crowd, knowing that his words would not be well received. Jeremiah’s courage comes not from his own strength, but from his deep trust in God and his commitment to divine truth. He knew that the message he was proclaiming came directly from God, and so he could not remain silent.
“It was the Lord who sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard,” Jeremiah responds. Here we see the steadfastness of a man who, even when threatened with death, remains faithful to his mission. Jeremiah teaches us that faithfulness to God and to the truth must be our priority, regardless of the consequences.
The story of Jeremiah leads us to reflect on our own courage in bearing witness to the truth. In a world where we are often pressured to conform, avoid conflict, and remain silent in the face of injustice, we are called to be modern-day prophets. Do we have the courage of Jeremiah to speak the truth, even when it may cost us dearly?
In the Gospel of Matthew, we find another powerful example of courage and faithfulness in the person of John the Baptist. Herod, upon hearing about the miracles of Jesus, thinks that John the Baptist has risen from the dead. This thought arises because Herod had John arrested and eventually ordered his execution.
The reason for John’s imprisonment and death is clear: he publicly denounced Herod’s illicit marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife. John the Baptist, like Jeremiah, was not afraid to proclaim the truth, even if it meant facing the wrath of the powerful.
We can imagine John the Baptist in prison, knowing that his fidelity to the truth would cost him his life. Yet he did not recant. John the Baptist shows us that fidelity to God and the truth is more valuable than life itself. He was a forerunner of Christ not only in his birth and ministry, but also in his death. His courage is a testimony to us all.
There is a particularly moving moment in the Gospel of Matthew when Salome, the daughter of Herodias, asks for the head of John the Baptist as a reward for her dancing. Herod, though reluctant, gives in to her request because of the promise he made to his guests. This episode shows us how the combination of power, fear, and pride can lead to injustice and violence.
The martyrdom of John the Baptist challenges us to reflect on what we truly value in our lives. Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort, our security, and even our lives for the truth? The life of John the Baptist is a powerful reminder that following Christ requires courage and sacrifice.
Like Jeremiah and John the Baptist, we are called to be witnesses to the truth in our own lives. We may not face the threat of death, but we certainly face challenges and pressures to conform to the world. In our workplaces, in our communities, and even in our families, we are called to speak the truth in love, to stand up for justice, and to live with integrity.
To live this truth, we need a deep faith and unshakable trust in God. Jeremiah and John the Baptist did not trust in their own strength, but in God’s strength. We need to cultivate an intimate relationship with God through prayer, reading Scripture, and the sacraments. Only then will we find the courage to be true disciples of Christ.
Let us reflect on Jeremiah’s words: “The Lord has sent me.” When we know that we are acting in accordance with God’s will, we find the courage to face any challenge. And, like John the Baptist, let us be faithful to the end, knowing that our reward is in the Kingdom of Heaven.
My brothers and sisters, as we leave here today, let us take with us the example of Jeremiah and John the Baptist. May we be courageous in proclaiming the truth, righteous in our actions, and faithful to God’s call. May our lives be a living testimony to the love and truth of Christ. Amen.
