SATURDAY, SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Jer 26: 11-16, 24 Ps 69: 15-16, 30-34 Mt 14: 1-12
EXCEPTIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Each of us has some expectations in life. Some have ordinary expectations while others have exceptional ones. Let us try to evaluate our expectations. A popular saying goes like this: if you want a comfortable journey, then reduce the luggage of your expectations. This saying invites us to be serious about our expectations. The readings today help us to find out what kind of expectations we can expect to have, as we see the expectations different people had. In the first reading, Prophet Jeremiah stands firm, speaking boldly on behalf of God, condemning the wrong doings of the people and as a result receives suffering and expected a death sentence.
In the gospel, we have four people with different expectations. First, John the Baptist a God-fearing man and one who had no intention of condemning King Herod, while denouncing his ways, but rather expected a change of heart in him, but this would cost him his own life. Secondly, we have King Herod who expects name, fame and honour, and so was not ready to listen to John the Baptist and to amend his ways. Thirdly, we have Herodius who expects to take revenge on John for being hard on her, condemning her relationship with Herod. Lastly, we have the daughter of Herodius, Salome, who was unaware about what was going on around her, and just expected applause from the crowd for her dance and becomes the opportunity for her mother to execute revenge.
In all these examples we closely notice that expectations of Jeremiah and John the Baptist were genuine since they looked for something good to happen, despite the negative implications. Whereas we see in other examples nothing good is expected, rather there were selfish and personal gains sought after, which in turn brought harm to others. Hence, it is very clear from the readings today that our expectations in life must do good to others and not bring harm to others.
Response: At an acceptable time, O Lord, answer me.
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