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Feb 7, 2025

Mark 6: 14-29

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

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.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Feb 7, 2025

Uncompromising Integrity

The TV show, The Office, is a masterclass in the art of saving face—and failing at it. From Michael’s desperate need to be loved, to Dwight’s over-the-top bids for respect, to Angela’s attempts at moral superiority, every character spends most of their time protecting an image that’s (hilariously) out of sync with reality.

Today’s Gospel is also a story about saving face. Despite the fact that Herod’s daughter’s request for John the Baptist’s head “deeply distressed” him, Herod still “promptly dispatched an executioner” in a desperate attempt to protect his reputation in front of his courtiers, military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Much like The Office, this Gospel is a reminder of what happens when we value image over integrity, except with much higher stakes and far more devastating consequences.

Organizational psychologist, Adam Grant, says “Integrity isn’t fidelity to your beliefs. It’s fidelity to seeking the truth.” Today, reflect on whether you’re seeking truth or approval. Ask God for the courage to resist the temptation to save face, especially when it compromises your integrity.

—Jackie Schulte is the Dean of Faculty Formation and a history teacher at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska.

Feb 7, 2025

Prayer

Loving God,
You call me to live with integrity, to seek truth over approval and authenticity over image. Teach me to trust in you and to let go of the fear of how others see me. May my actions reflect your love and my choices honor your calling. 
Amen.

—Jackie Schulte

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The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.

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