August 2nd : Gospel
The beheading of John the Baptist
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St.Matthew 14:1-12
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus, and he said to his courtiers, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and that is why mighty works show forth in him.” Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Though he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, because they considered John to be a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and for those who sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given. So he sent and beheaded John in the prison. His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took away the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.
The Word of the Lord.
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