The Tale of Two Kings
This is such an interesting pairing of two readings. Sirach writes such a beautiful account of David as king. Even though David committed some serious sins, the poetic way this is written is to say we all sin but we all can turn to God for forgiveness. Once forgiven even God will see us in this beautiful piece of prose. God sees us as adding beauty to His creation. God is saying to you – you have made this day wonderful for me just because you are here. Your voice falls soft upon my ears and brings warmth to my heart. You are one very special child to me.
Then there is the gospel, and we see someone completely opposite. Herod is brutal. It has been written that he really loved his wife, but he had her killed because he was paranoid, thinking she was going to take over his kingdom. He also had two of his sons killed for the same reason. He took another man’s wife. And never gave it a thought to consider his sinful life or try to change his heart. He was given to severe depression and bouts of anxiety.
The responsorial psalm is also taken from the book of Sirach as was the first reading. This verse is important: God’s way is unerring; the promise of the LORD is fire-tried; he is a shield to all who take refuge in him. David turned to the Lord. Herod avoided the Lord. You know the outcome.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen