The Holy Martyr Hyacinth
Read
1 Corinthians 6:20-7:12; Matthew 14:1-13
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Considering today’s Gospel, let’s look at our desires. What is it that you desire? To what and to whom is your heart directed? Take a moment and consider those things that you desire.
I am sure that each of us has a long list of desires. It may be for a peaceful life, harmony between spouses, between children, between parents and children, to learn more of this pilgrimage we call life, to ensure that I have enough for retirement, to make more money to get that car I have been eyeing for some time now… and the list could continue for some length! Of these desires, how many of them fall into the desire of our Lord for each of our lives? Do they align with His plan?
Herod, a king with somewhat smallish powers, had desires as well. He had recognized in John the Baptist the moral authority of the one true God which he rejected because it conflicted with his desire for power and wealth. He saw in Jesus a supernatural power, a divine activity (e.g. healings) as well as this same moral authority of John, if not more. Herod tried to make his world safe for his desires – he had John beheaded in the prison. The text, though, gives the indication that he himself, through his servants, beheaded John. On top of this, the Gospel indicates that Herod promoted his desire for power and lustful enjoyment in order to suppress the divine activity. He suppressed God’s influence and action on his life and submitted to the tyranny of his desires.
Let’s resolve today to place all our desires before the Lord – whether they be for holiness, or for that needed car. Here’s a prayer you can use throughout each day to assist in making sure that we are always open to God’s influence and activity in our lives:
Lord! You know all things. Do with me as You will. (St. Theophan the Recluse)