Mark 6:17–29
For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him,
and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife,
because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not
lawful for you to have your brother's wife.' And Herodias had a grudge against
him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing
that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him,
he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity
came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers
and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced,
she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, 'Ask me for
whatever you wish, and I will give it.' And he solemnly swore to her, 'Whatever
you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.' She went out and said to
her mother, 'What should I ask for?' She replied, 'The head of John the
baptizer.' Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, 'I want you
to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.' The king was deeply
grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to
refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to
bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on
a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When
his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a
tomb.”
Reflection
How do I stand for the truth?
Do I always lose courage when things go wrong?