Saturday 1 August

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24; Psalm 69; Matthew 14:1-12

They … told Jesus

Jesus seems not to feature in Herod’s execution of John the Baptist. He is, however, very much there because conflict and rejection of Jesus intensifies at this part of Matthew’s Gospel. In his own way, John upholds the Torah as interpreted by Jesus. John is upfront. He speaks directly to Herod about his situation. His witness exacts a huge price. His death foreshadows that of Jesus. Imagine how John’s disciples feel. In my difficult times of being called to speak directly, do I do as they did? “They went and told Jesus”.