NOTES for Mc 6:14-30

Today the Church commemorates the death of “the greatest of those born of women,” as Jesus called him—John the Baptist. He was great because God called him to a great mission and gave him the strength to fulfill it. His great preaching drew a great multitude of people to him; by receiving baptism from him, they prepared their hearts to meet the great King. In contrast with all this greatness, how petty were the interests and actions of the people that led to the great prophet’s death. Herodias’s malice, her daughter’s debauchery, Herod’s drunkenness and lust, his distorted notion of royal honor... Evil is always petty, even when it seems victorious. Good is always broad and generous, even when it goes to its death.