7.29.11

Lectio: Mt 14.1-12

“The king [Herod] was distressed, but because he gave his oath and the guests who were present, he ordered that it [John the Baptist’s head on a platter] be given [Herodias’ daughter.]

"O God, oaths are solemn promises to tell the truth or to do something - they should ordinarily be kept.

I remember Herod gave an oath to Herodias’ daughter that he would give her anything she asked and he kept his solemn promise when he should not for respect for life is a higher duty than keeping one’s oath.

Grant that I may remember Jesus’ words recorded in Mt 5.37 and let my ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and my ‘No’ mean ‘No’ and refrain from taking oaths unless one is demanded by a properly constituted authority.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Operatio: Reflect on resolving conflicts in one’s duties - a negative commandment generally trumps a positive duty so the commandment to not kill trumps the positive commandment to keep one’s oaths. When in doubt as to what to do, and there is no one whom you can readily consult who may be able to resolve your dilemma, ask the question: ‘What would Jesus do?’ and then do it.

Tomorrow’s readings: Mt 14.13-21