30 Jul 2022
Empathic Response
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For 30 July 2022, Saturday of week 17 in Ordinary Time, based on Matthew 14:1-12
At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.
Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
31 July 2022 @ 12:59 am
Wonderful story about the difference between sympathy and empathy! The challenge is very clear. Thank you, Kathy!
31 July 2022 @ 3:19 am
Thank you Kathy for connecting all the dots in these scriptural stories As well as the example of Jesus giving his presence with the grieving men and women who were followers of John the Baptist.
May we too stand with and in the shoes of those who grieve today the loss of family through war, violence, and immigration problems at our borders.
Blessings on your powerful preaching,
Sr. Brigid
31 July 2022 @ 7:01 am
Kathy I never heard someone preach this story as you did, calling us to empathy. Thanks so much! Be well and give my love to the Sinsinawa sisters whom I love so!