First Reading

Reading from the prophecy of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 26, 11-16. 24

In those days, the priests and the prophets said to the officials and the people: “This man, Jeremiah, deserves death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you yourselves have heard”.

But Jeremiah said to the officials and the people: “The Lord has sent me to prophesy all that you have heard against this temple and this city. Therefore, correct your conduct and your deeds, listen to the voice of the Lord, your God, and the Lord will retract the threat He has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands: do with me what seems just and fitting to you. But know this well: if you kill me, you, the city and its inhabitants will be responsible for the death of an innocent man, because it is true that the Lord has sent me to you to announce all these things to you”.

The officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets: “This man does not deserve a death sentence, because he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord, our God”.

Then Ahikam, son of Shaphan, defended Jeremiah, so that he would not be handed over to the people and killed.

Gospel

Reading from the holy gospel according to Saint Matthew

Matthew 14, 1-12

At that time, King Herod heard what was being said about Jesus and said to his courtiers: “It is John the Baptist, who has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him”.

Herod had arrested John and had him chained in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had told Herod that it was not lawful for him to have her as his wife. And although he wanted to take his life, he was afraid of the people, because they believed that John was a prophet.

But Herod’s birthday arrived, and the daughter of Herodias danced before everyone and pleased Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she asked for. She, advised by her mother, said to him: “Give me, on this platter, the head of John the Baptist”.

The king was saddened, but because of his oath and to avoid embarrassment before the guests, he ordered that it be given to her; and then he commanded that John be beheaded in prison. So they brought the head on a platter, gave it to the young woman, and she took it to her mother.

Afterwards, the disciples of John came, took the body, buried it, and then went to tell Jesus.