First Reading

Jeremiah 1, 17-19

In those days, the Lord spoke these words to me:
«Gird yourself and prepare;
stand up and tell them what I command you.
Do not fear, do not waver before them,
lest I break you.

See: today I make you a fortified city,
an iron pillar and a bronze wall,
against this whole land,
whether it be the kings of Judah, their officials,
their priests, or the people of the land.
They will wage war against you, but they will not overcome you,
for I am with you to save you.»

Gospel

Mark 6, 17-29

At that time, Herod had ordered John the Baptist to be arrested and had him thrown and chained in prison. Herod had married Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, and John told him: «It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.» That is why Herod had him imprisoned.

Herodias held a great grudge against John because of this and wanted to take his life, but she did not know how, because Herod respected John, for he knew that he was an upright and holy man, and he kept him under guard. When he heard him speak, he was perplexed, but he liked to listen to him.

The opportunity came when Herod gave a banquet for his court, his officers, and the leading people of Galilee, on the occasion of his birthday. The daughter of Herodias danced during the feast, and her dance greatly pleased Herod and his guests. The king then said to the young woman: «Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.» And he swore to her several times: «I will give you whatever you ask, even if it is half of my kingdom.»

She went to ask her mother: «What shall I ask for?» Her mother answered: «The head of John the Baptist.» She immediately returned to the king and said: «I want you to give me right now, on a platter, the head of John the Baptist.»

The king was very sad, but because of his oath and the guests, he did not want to refuse the young woman, and immediately ordered an executioner to bring John’s head. The executioner went, beheaded him in the prison, brought the head on a platter, gave it to the young woman, and she gave it to her mother.

When John’s disciples heard of this, they came to collect the body and buried it.