http://b3-dailymanna.blogspot.ae/2016/02/delight-and-ask-ask-seek-knock-0205.html
Gospel for the day: Mark 6:14-29
14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known.
Some were saying,[a] “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that
is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.”
And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long
ago.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been
raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John
arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of
Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been
saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So
Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not
able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a
righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled[b]; yet
he liked to listen to him. 21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday
Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the
leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of[c] Herodias came in and danced,
she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for
anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an
oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 She went
out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the
Baptist,” she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the
request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a
platter.” 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his
dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an
executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in
the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the
girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples
came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. ~Mark 6:14-29
Reflection:
In the Gospel, we have heard that John the Baptist was a prophet in
which others also called him as Elijah. He was a righteous and holy man and
King Herod liked to listen to him. On the King’s birthday, the daughter of
Herodias danced and pleased the guests in which the King promised an oath.
Herodias having a grudge on John took that opportunity to kill him. The
daughter of Herodias then requested to have John’s head on the platter. And
because of the King’s words which he did not want to refuse, he made orders to
fulfill the request.
Many times in our life, we have this word of honor that whatever we
say, we need to do it. We were raised by our families to practice and do what
we say. Same as like in today’s gospel: The king said to the girl, “Ask me for
anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” It’s also the same as to when God
speaks and answers our prayers. Our God is a very generous Father who’s willing
to give everything to His children as long as it is for the good purpose. God
knows when to say yes and when to say no or maybe.
I have 2 favorite Bible verses from Matthew 7:7-12 (Ask, Seek and
Knock) and Psalm 37:4 (Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you your
heart’s desire). I must say that 2015 has been a great year for answered
prayers which I never expected to all come true. God surprised me with a God’s
gift and a better opportunity at work. God entrusted me a bigger service in KFC
ministry. God assured to provide me with all I need and even allowed me to go
home twice this year. It was only December in which 10 years we waited to be
complete for our family reunion. We celebrated birthdays, wedding anniversary,
Christmas, New yearYear and vacation holidays. We had our first complete family
photoshoot and we travelled a lot together. God blessed me and my family so
much and all the struggles we had were worth it. God heard my prayers and
fulfilled them in His perfect time.
As I journey with the Lord this 2016, all I want is to give back the glory
that belongs to Him. I am still a work in progress and I will strive with all
that I can to become a better me. As the line from Kuya Noli says: “The reward
for more blessings is more service!” Lord, let me serve You with joy and
gladness and not treat the service as a burden. Let me inspire others as how
You inspired me. Allow change to mold and transform me to be like Jesus. I will
always delight in You and will continue to ask, seek and knock. Lord, may Your
will always be done. Thank You for everything and may Your name be praised! Deo
Gloria! :)
