No One Makes Wise Decisions in Moments of Anger or Ecstasy

August 2, 2025 Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Leviticus 25:1, 8-17; Matthew 14:1-12

The Lord Himself instructs how the Jubilee year is to be counted and celebrated. It consists of seven cycles of seven years, with the 50th year declared holy unto the Lord. This sacred year is marked by liberation, for both the land and its people. Property is to be restored to its original family owners, and individuals are to return home. Cultivation is paused, and people are to eat only what the land naturally yields. It is a time of trust in God's providence and a renewal of communal bonds. Integral to the Jubilee are justice and neighborliness. The Lord explicitly commands: “Do not cheat one another.” The fear of the Lord is to govern all transactions. In essence, the Jubilee is not just a calendar event; it is a spiritual invitation to begin anew, to restore what is broken, and to realign with God's design for justice and peace.

The Gospel recounts the unjust martyrdom of John the Baptist, the final prophet and the first to recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God. Herod Antipas, morally compromised by his unlawful marriage to Herodias, is intrigued by Jesus but confused, fearing He might be John the resurrected. Herodias, resentful of John’s bold condemnation, finds her chance through her daughter Salome’s seductive dance. In a rash, drunken promise, Herod offers her anything, resulting in John’s beheading. The story stands as a tragic reminder of how anger, pride, and impulsive decisions can lead to grave injustice.

Call to Action: In moments of anger or euphoria, how often do I make decisions that wound others, especially those entrusted to my care? The Jubilee calls us to slow down, reflect, and restore. Can I begin a new chapter with humility, mercy, and wisdom?