“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.” Mark 6:19-20
This comes from the story of the beheading of St. John the Baptist. The ‘bad actors’ in this story are Herod, Herod’s illegitimate wife Herodias, and Herodias’ daughter. John had been imprisoned by Herod because John told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Even in prison, Herod would listen to John preach. But instead of leading Herod to conversion, he was left “perplexed” by what John preached.
Being “perplexed” was not the only reaction to John’s preaching. Herodias’ reaction was one of hatred. She appeared to be stung to the heart by John’s condemnation of her “marriage” to Herod, and it was she who then orchestrated John’s beheading.
This Gospel, then, teaches us of two other common reactions to the Truth of the holy Gospel when it is preached. One is hatred and another is confusion (being perplexed). Obviously, hatred is far worse than simply being perplexed. But neither is the right reaction to the words of Truth.
As we look ahead, we see the cross shadowing over Calvary. The Crucifix along with the Gospels offends many.
The cross is an offense because it says to the world, “You’re a sinner.” The cross said to the thief who was dying on the other cross, “You’re a sinner. You’d better repent.” Remember, one did repent but the other spewed venom at the cross of Christ despite his own predicament.
The Gospel offends because it reminds one that they are not God. There is someone to Whom they are accountable. The Gospels and Scripture reminds people of how they must live. Serving others and putting them before self. Forgiving and loving those who are unlovable. And, mostly, they point out their sin. T
hey are too hardened and self-centered to admit either the Gospels show the way or the way is through the cross.
“Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”” John 3:18-21
When you read the Gospels are you perplexed? That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As long as you continue to pursue the truth, ask others to help understand and seek God’s wisdom. Don’t allow yourself to forget the offenses of the Gospel and Cross are to open your eyes and turn your heart and life to see and know God and His Divine Mercy for you.
Raise your eyes to look upon the cross, open your ears to hear the Gospels. See God’s Divine Mercy hanging on the cross. Hear His word and His Word speak a better way to live. See and hear from both, mercy and redemption.