February 7, 2014, Gospel

The Holy Gospel According to Mark    6: 14-29

6:14	And king Herod heard of it, (for his name had become well-known) and he said: “John the Baptist has risen again from the dead, and because of this, miracles are at work in him.”
6:15	But others were saying, “Because it is Elijah.” Still others were saying, “Because he is a prophet, like one of the prophets.”
6:16	When Herod had heard it, he said, “John whom I beheaded, the same has risen again from the dead.”
6:17	For Herod himself had sent to capture John, and had chained him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip; for he had married her.
6:18	For John was saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
6:19	Now Herodias was devising treachery against him; and she wanted to kill him, but she was unable.
6:20	For Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly.
6:21	And when an opportune time had arrived, Herod held a feast on his birthday, with the leaders, and the tribunes, and the first rulers of Galilee.
6:22	And when the daughter of the same Herodias had entered, and danced, and pleased Herod, along with those who were at table with him, the king said to the girl, “Request from me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.”
6:23	And he swore to her, “Anything that you request, I will give to you, even up to half my kingdom.”
6:24	And when she had gone out, she said to her mother, “What shall I request?” But her mother said, “The head of John the Baptist.”
6:25	And immediately, when she had entered with haste to the king, she petitioned him, saying: “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
6:26	And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who were sitting with him at table, he was not willing to disappoint her.
6:27	So, having sent an executioner, he instructed that his head be brought on a platter.
6:28	And he beheaded him in prison, and he brought his head on a platter. And he gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it her mother.
6:29	When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and they placed it in a tomb.