Avoid Making Promises in a Good Mood

Friday 31st July 2021. Read Leviticus 25:1-17, Ps.67 and Matthew 14:1-12 

“Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison.” (Matthew 14:8-10)

While our first reading today contains God’s instructions to Moses for the establishment of the year of Jubilee, our Gospel passage contains circumstances surrounding the death of John the Baptist about whom Jesus said: “among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11).

John the Baptist’s death was truly glorious. He died in active services; like a soldier on a battleground. He died proclaiming the truth of the sanctity of marriage, the evil of adultery, and the sin of corruption.

One lesson we must learn from the action of Herod is to avoid speaking when we are super-excited. Avoid making promises when you are in a good mood. Words are powerful. When spoken, we can never take them back. Think before you speak. Do not speak first only to regret it later. You might never be able to take back your words. 

It was only when the little girl mentioned her prize that Herod realized the full implication of the promise he made. He would live the rest of his life to regret this. How he wished that Jesus Christ was John the Baptist who had returned back to life. 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, grant me an increase of self-control. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest (Memorial). Bible Study: Leviticus 25:1-17, Ps.67 and Matthew 14:1-12).