Justification By Faith

"Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them." Romans 12:14

On this 10th anniversary of 9/11 this scripture passage for many may be very hard to hear and the hardest to follow.  In a world that embellishes it's thinking and actions on the notion of living for oneself regardless of how it hurts another person or persons.  It is perhaps easier, even more comfortable to us to rise up in defense or be critical of those who are unwilling to hear the Good News of Jesus' teaching or wise council of the Saints lead by the Holy Spirit to avoid seeking vengeance.  It is our natural response when we are attacked or feel threatened to rise up in a spirit of vengeance towards our Brother or Sisters in Christ.  St. Paul's message speaks to me in this way......he's speaking not of getting even at those who hurt us and talk evil towards us, but of surrendering our selfish ideas of "an eye for an eye" mentality for one of forgiveness and trust in God's justification towards those who persecute us.  In doing so, we are exercising and releasing in faith the control that only God can render. 

In the scripture readings of Romans 12:13-21 we are instructed to live and commune with others in a spirit of hospitality, even to those who hurt us, talk bad things about us.  In a true spirit of Jesus Christ living in us, we are able to bless those who in our eyes may not be deserving of our mercy and hospitality.  But, Brothers and Sisters if we only extend our love to those who only love us and those who nurture our self centered egos, then how is that living the love of Jesus Christ in the world. 

We must love even when it's not the easiest to do.  In the words of Mother Theresa of Calcutta:

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.        

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

If we remember that all things come from God and his love is freely given to all of us then this saying of Mother Theresa will not be hard for us.  If we remember this in our daily lives, we would come to realize that it is not ours to give, but, that when we extend hospitality, mercy, love and forgiveness to others, we do so because it is God who first blessed us. 

So for me I hear the Lord saying to me that I must have faith in him alone to take care of those who persecute me.  In other words, it is not my job or is anything under my control when I seek retribution towards another person, but, it's the Lord who I must surrender this control to.  He's speaking loud and clear to me, that in the end he will take care of all of these people and evil things happening in our world today. 

When we bless others, especially those who in our hardened and selfish hearts do not deserve our blessings, we are loving as Christ loves us and when we love in this way the hardened of hearts, including our own are opened to receive the Love of God and seek Him in their own lives. 

As you reflect on this scriptural passage think about your own relationship with Jesus and how his message of justification in faith speaks to you in your own lives.  Ask yourselves...."What role and concern and care for others play in relationship to the concept of "Justification by faith" and your relationship with Jesus? 

It would be most welcomed if you shared your reflections and or thoughts on this passage of scripture as you reflect on them.  May the peace of the Lord be with your spirit and may you bless others with the love of Christ, even the ones who hurt you.  Blessings of God to you and your families. 

Living Sacrifice

"Whatever we do that is good must be done, bodily and if we do them out of love they become a living sacrifice to the living God."

What do you think it means to bear one's cross?  In today's gospel Jesus is telling us that a life lived for Christ is not going to be an easy journey.  He tells us that in order to be his disciples we must pick up our crosses daily.  Being a disciple is not an easy journey, because we will undoubtedly suffer, but, as it has been my experience suffering is a necessary part of being a living sacrifice to God.  Today, it seems that carrying ones cross is not what the world conveys.  In fact the message so often given and received is one of laissez-faire, in other words anything goes. 

Today many children of God are living as if there was no God. Faith has dwindled little to nothing.  Skepticism and doubt are rampant.  One can look around and clearly see this is true in many instances.  The society seems to view life as their own to live regardless of the fact of whether it contradicts the will of God or not.  So, it would seem that we are living in a time where saving ones life is more important than denying oneself, taking up our crosses and following Jesus Christ where ever he wants to lead us.  If only the deceived knew how Satan's message is one of destruction and eternal damnation they surely would not want to risk this for their lives.  It is from my own experience that I can say that a life without God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, our advocate only leads to destruction of the human soul that only bears bad fruit such as selfishness, pride, lack of love for neighbor, immodesty, every man for himself, unhappiness, loss of peace and joy. 

Living a sinful life can and will only lead oneself to feelings of guilt, shame and eventually despair.  I am here to testify that there is is no life unless you are living a life for Jesus Christ.  I know what Satan says, "You don't want to follow him, a life lived with Jesus is like a ball and chain.  It's boring and you don't want to be a holy roly freak.!"  These and many more of his lies are just that, lies.  Satan would have us believe that there are no consequences to the choices we make outside of the will of God, but, this just is not true.  Look around you, you no doubt can see the destruction his lies have caused in yours and the lives of family and friends and society as a whole.  The loss of self respect for our bodies, the sacredness of marriage and one another has created a society permeated with sexual disease, perversion and demise to name just a few of the consequences for living a life unfitting to God.  What would God think?  A good question to ask oneself.  Would he be pleased?  There is no truth in Satan's cunning attempt to turn God's children away from a loving, compassionate, merciful and kind God.    

If we are going to live, we must think as God thinks!  There is no other way to be truly at peace and filled with endless joy.  No matter where you are now, I am hear to tell you that you do not have to stay there, I didn't and my life has been radically transformed.  The Lord is calling you to deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow him and he will lead you to a life that is fulfilled in him.  Jesus tell us he is the way the truth and the life.  We will have to account for our life and the conduct we have exhibited in our lives when Jesus comes again.  Will you have your life in order?  Or will you be caught unprepared to live for all eternity with God? 

"What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?"  There is no profit.  Knowing God's will is not an easy journey.  Knowing God's will for our life is a life long process that starts with inviting God to be the beginning and the end in your life.  It takes a life of faith and prayer to carry us on this journey towards holiness as we travel towards eternal life in Heaven with God.  In my own life, I have experienced much pain and all the consequences of living a Godless life and it has not been easy, but, with God I now know all I have to do is trust in Jesus and everything will be okay, even in the darkest valleys of my life.  For now instead of running away from the cross I run to the Cross where I find peace.  My God gives me the courage and the strength I need to not give up on what I believe and on Jesus.  You can take everything away from me, but, you will never take away the love of God in my soul and therefore, not even my joy can you steal.  God loves you and he is calling you to him, won't you pick up your cross and follow him.  Reflect on your own process of discerning God's will for your life?  If you are willing share a personal experience of discernment with us here. 

Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus began to show his disciples
that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly
from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.
Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him,
"God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you."He turned and said to Peter,

You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."
Then Jesus said to his disciples,
"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life"
Or what can one give in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory,
and then he will repay all according to his conduct."

http://old.usccb.org/video/reflections.shtml  See August 28, 2011 Reflection on the Gospel

Bound in Jesus

This Sunday's reflection on the Gospel of Matthew proclaimed by Msgr Jeremiah F. Kenney delivers the key to living a life we are intended to imitate says....."For Jesus, Calvery was more indurable than apathy.  Jesus tell us that unless we deny ourselves, take up our crosses everyday and follow him we can not be his disciples.  The disciple is someone who follows an imitation of the Master.  St. Paul tells us...have that bind in you that is of Christ Jesus, our Lord.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  Peter knew it, even though he tried to stop him, Jesus warned him, "My ways are not your ways Peter, get behind me" and we are either with the Lord or against Him.  That's the key to the whole thing of discipleship.  To be with Jesus to be his face so that others can see him with us, through us and in us.  It is essential that we are one with Jesus." (Msgr Jeremiah F. Kenney, Archdiocese of Baltimore; USCCB Video [Daily Reflections], Sunday, August 21, 2011 gospel reflection; http://old.usccb.org/video/reflections.shtml)

 

Who do you say that I am?  This is the question Jesus asked the Disciples and is the same question he ask's us today.  The answers furnished by the diciples reveals to me that they too, although they walked with Jesus and followed him they too perhaps in some ways also had blinders on when it fully came to understanding the mystery of Jesus' divinity, of him being our Lord and Savior and exactly what that meant.  Today I find it is not much different.  Some refuse to believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.  For me this is very hard to understand, since I believe with my whole heart and soul that Jesus is my Lord and Savior who was sent by God, who was the Word made flesh, sent to deliver God's children from the wages of sin and death.  For me it just is unfathomable that it is not recognized and most of all doubted in our own society today, which is why it is even more pivotal today that we who are baptized and confirmed live our lives as an imitation of Christ, that we live out what we truly believe to be the truth.  It is vitally important for the salvation of souls that those who are far away from Christ see the living Christ in us.  Are we with him?  Is he revealed in us and through us?  Is our mission to build up the Kingdom of God central to our lives and the lives of our neighbors?  Or are we against him, do we unbelieve that he is truly the Christ?  Is there doubt?  Jesus is very clear, if we are not with him we are against him and if we are against him we can not be his Disciples.  Are you one with Jesus?    

 

Mother Mary, most beloved Mother of God pray for me that today I will be a worthy disciple of your beloved Son, Jesus. May I be his eyes, lips, legs and hands in a world that is searching for peace, for joy, for love and mercy that only Jesus can give to me and to the those who are spiritually dead.  Help me in the times that I can not see and in the times that I doubt that Jesus is enough.  In Jesus Name, Amen.   

 

Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and
he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter said in reply,
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus said to him in reply,
"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Then he strictly ordered his disciples
to tell no one that he was the Christ.

All Are Called, Few Come

This gospel today speaks to me in a profound way.  Have you ever planned a really special party.  It's likely that in planning, you carefully select the date, time and place.  The invitations go out and you wait to receive the RSVP.  You strive to make everything special for your guest.  So, on the day of the party you tidy up and create an inviting atmosphere with beautifully coordinated table cloths, napkins and utensils with theme centered pieces for the tables.  You want it to be a joyful and peaceful time of fellowship, so you take care to ensure all things are in place.  Then as the time gets closer you anticipate the arrival of your guest, but, only a few show up.  You gave it your all.  Everything was prepared perfectly and could not have been any better.  How disappointed you must be when only a few find it important enough to join you for dinner.  You say you understand when your guest say, "I really was so very busy, sorry I could not make it", but, do we really understand?
Well, how sad God must feel when he goes all out to prepare the perfect place for us in heaven.  A place inviting and beautiful.  A place of love, serenity and peace prepared just for us for all eternity, but, we don't think it's important enough to be there.  We've been invited to the wedding feast, a banquet like no other.  Jesus invites us to partake in the Eucharist where he meets us fully in his body, blood, soul and divinity.  He wants us to become one with him.  To freely embrace his love and mercy in the sacrifice of the Mass in the Eucharist.  This was his last and everlasting covenant given freely to us, our salvation from eternal death.  Why is it that we find it unimportant to show up?  Why would anyone forgo a life everlasting for all eternity in exchange for what this world offers? In my view of my life and of the world it's because of our prideful and selfish nature.  Creatures that take for granted the wonderful gift that we have been given because the world creates a rose colored illusion of what our purpose in this earthly life is all about. Flailing around, going about our lives without a real purpose, ignoring all of the invitations to live eternally with God in heaven, because, we have little faith in the truth revealed to us by God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  We are invited by Christ to partake of the Lord.  To live an active spiritual life, living a life of faith that is lived out through prayer, meditation and contemplation through the Word of God.  Mine and I believe without reservation our purpose for this life is to love God, to know God and to serve God with the one goal to become holy saints of God and to live for all eternity in heaven with him.  Through prayer, love and humility, the fruits of full communion with our God in the Eucharist we are changed and that change is revealed in the person of Christ himself who equips us with the love and fortitude to feed his sheep and build up the kingdom of God.  For it is through love, mercy and forgiveness of our neighbor that he will be revealed to those who have lost their way or who have never known him.  He is calling you, will you be wearing your wedding garment to the feast? Will you forsake this world for the beautiful place God is preparing for you?  Or, will you accept His invitation?  Will we freely and quickly accept the invitation? 

    
Gospel:  8/18/2011   Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables
saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.’
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests.
But when the king came in to meet the guests
he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.
He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it
that you came in here without a wedding garment?’
But he was reduced to silence.
Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet,
and cast him into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’
Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Faith...what does this mean to you?

The Gospel reading today in Matthew speaks to me in this way.  Jesus comes to us when we are in the storms of our lives even before we call upon him, but, do I trust  him enough to follow him when he calls my name?  Do I believe that Jesus is truly present in my life?  Jesus is always there for us, but, it's very difficult for some to believe the inspired divine Word of God and the Teachings of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit unless they can see or understand the mysteries of God.  The mysteries will not be understood by our finite human minds, that's why they are mysteries.  Peter and the others could not understand how Jesus could be walking on the water, he must be a ghost.  When Jesus called Peter to come to him, Peter had faith as long as he kept his eye on Jesus.  With Jesus he could do the impossible, like walk on water.  The minute he took his eyes off of Jesus and tried to reason how this could be happening, then doubt crept into his mind, then he began to sink.  When we try to figure out our purpose in life apart from Jesus and we doubt his power to save us or to take care of us we too begin to sink, sometimes even drown.  Like a lot of the world today they doubt the truth of God, his commandments and the teachings of the Church Jesus founded.  Jesus has given us the way, the truth and the life in order that we might live.  He is calling each of us to trust him and not doubt the truth in the Word of God, his Church, it's teachings and traditions.  God is calling us now, tomorrow may be too late.  We are called to love him with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves in order that we the believers can renew the life of the Church today with our love, tomorrow may be too late.  Let us be confident that God's Word is truth and have faith that we can do all things that seem impossible to Man, but, are possible for God.  A renewal of our Faith in God and his Word, begins by examining ourselves, our own sins and having a spirit of true repentance.  Faith is a single minded obedience to God.  For me it is what God says it is, no reason to question it.  I am confident in the Lord's love for me and know that his way of life is good, holy and true.  Now let us pray for a revival of faith in the one and only God, one God in three divine persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.   If someone is open to hear there is nothing we say that is wrong, but, if someone is not open to hear there is nothing we can say right.  And even though I do not know what is best for other people, God does and he is calling us to be holy, as the Father is holy.  Apart from God we can do nothing.  Blessed Pope John Paul II said, the Gospel should not be hidden because of fear.  So, let us stand up for the truth and be the light in a world that is thirsting for the truth, but, refuses to hear it.  "Today let us acknowledge that Jesus truly is the Son of God, that he truly is the Great I am. Let us have the faith that Peter did not have, let's ask the Lord to strengthen our faith that in all situations, that when we feel that we are sinking in someway that Jesus is there to save us, watch over and protect us.  So, today let us believe in the Son of God. Let's have the faith that Jesus is leading us to Heaven where we will have glory with all the Saints in Heaven, Amen." (August 2, 2011 Daily Reflection Video at  http://www.usccb.org/video/reflections.shtml).

How is this  Gospel speaking to you in your life?  Please feel free to share. 

Mt. 14:22-36
Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede him to the other side of the sea,
while he dismissed the crowds.
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them, walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.
“It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter said to him in reply,
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come.”
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him,
and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
“Truly, you are the Son of God.”
After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.
When the men of that place recognized him,
they sent word to all the surrounding country.
People brought to him all those who were sick
and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak,
and as many as touched it were healed.

Feeding the Spiritually Poor

Today's Gospel of Matthew speaks to me in this way.  God’s love is unconditional.  His love never stops even if we resist loving him.  Just as Jesus felt the need to get away to a place of solitude, so we too sometimes need to get away to a place to grieve our losses.  At times when I feel my losses are too much to bear, I am reminded that Jesus is always at my side and is providing everything I need in this life.  Jesus is calling us to give from our bounty given to us by God no matter how little we have in our reserves to give.  If we pray for the Lord to feed a spiritually deficient society, then we must be willing to give no matter how small the blessing.  When we give to others who are spiritually or physically poor the Lord blesses our actions abundantly.  Jesus will take the amount we give and increase it abundantly in order that all God’s children will be fed.  When we are willing to give from the Lord’s blessings Jesus will bless the bounty from which we give, no matter how little we give.  We are called to bless our Brothers and Sisters in need of love and compassion.  In order to give we must replenish our bodies in prayer with our Father, so that he can give us the strength we need to continue his purpose for our lives.  God calls us to get away with him in a place where we find silence and solitude in order that we can give our love to him.  Jesus wants to console us, assist us and rejuvenate us in him, so that we may have the strength to persevere in this life on our quest for the Kingdom of God.   In today’s Gospel Jesus wanted to get away after learning of the death of John the Baptist, but, the crowds would not allow it.  Jesus did not turn away the crowd; instead he had pity on them and provided for their needs.  Jesus was not selfish.  Jesus is compassionate and giving.  He generously gave of himself even when he would have rather had solitude with the Father.  I hear Jesus speaking to me in my life calling me to the same spirit of unselfish giving of my time, blessings and talents.   Have you ever tried to get away to be alone with the Lord and was called by God for another purpose?  Where you willing to make the sacrifice to feed God’s children in their time of need?  Today, try to be aware of the needs of others and give in a spirit of charitable love and compassion from your abundant blessings?   I have many blessings to be grateful for today, especially the compassion and love given to me in my time of need.  May my friend be blessed in her spiritual poverty with the same unselfish love and compassion she was so willing to provide to another hurting soul.  I pray that I have given to a soul in need today from my surplus of blessings to help another in need of spiritual rejuvenation.  God is the source of all things, let us look up to heaven in a spirit of intimacy and love for our Father and thank him for all of our blessings on this day the Lord has blessed us with.  How is the Gospel speaking to you in your life today?    Let your sustenance be the Lord who strengthens you.   God love you and blessings to you and your families. 

Mt 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist,
he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.
When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said,
“This is a deserted place and it is already late;
dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages
and buy food for themselves.”
Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away;
give them some food yourselves.”
But they said to him,
“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.”
Then he said, “Bring them here to me, ”
and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,
he said the blessing, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples,
who in turn gave them to the crowds.
They all ate and were satisfied,
and they picked up the fragments left over—
twelve wicker baskets full.
Those who ate were about five thousand men,
not counting women and children.

Commentary on today's Gospel go to http://comelordjesus.com/index.cfm?load=page&page=248

Be Not Afraid.....I Am With You

As Fr. Robert Rousseau states in the video commentary (http://www.usccb.org/video/reflections.shtml) on the readings of Mt 14:1-12 for today, he says John the Baptist was not politically correct.  John the Baptist was not concerned with what others would say or think of him.  He spoke only the truth, because he knew ultimately only the truth would set people free.  How often are we afraid to stand up for the truth when controversial topics come up?  How often do we remain silent and let those speaking untruths dominate the conversation and not stand up for what is the truth taught by Jesus and the Church?  We are called to share the truth in love with others.  We are called to be a witness of the truth regardless of the consequences, but, how often do we allow pride to prevent us from speaking the truth?  Am I afraid of what people will think of me if I speak up?  Am I willing to say yes to Jesus and speak out against untruth's and injustice? 

These are the questions I asked myself and I didn't have to think very long to realize that like Herod I too am often afraid to speak out against untruth's or injustice, because of fear of what others will think of me, but, not always, it mostly depends on a number of variables.  Number one, whose the audience?, number two, has the person(s) rejected the truth in the past?, and number three are they open to hear the truth, only to name a few.  Today's Gospel speaks to me in my own life in that I have a right to speak the truth and not be afraid of it.  It is not my responsibility that everyone agree with me or accept the truth.  Just as the person has the right to disagree, I have the right to speak the truth in love.  Once the truth is out there, it is not my responsibility that it's accepted or agreed upon, rather it is the other's responsibility to do what they will with the information given.  Jesus is calling me to be not afraid and to say yes to being a witness for the truth regardless of the consequences.  I must remember that Jesus is always with me and I do not have to be afraid.  Blessed are those that are persecuted for Jesus' sake, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs is a comforting promise and I would do good to carry my Cross, even when it's painful and seems to be a heavy burden to carry.  How is Jesus speaking to you in the Gospel stated below? Are you afraid to speak up for the truth for fear of being rejected? 

Mt 14:1-12
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.