Episode Details

Today, we celebrate the martyrdom of the Precursor of Jesus Christ, St. John the Baptist. How he was beheaded is fairly well-known. It can be traced back to the illicit affair that King Herod had with Herodias, who was Herod's brother, Philip. St. John called them out. Herodias wanted to kill him for reminding them of the irregularity of their situation. But Herod protected him since he liked to listen to this holy man's words. Herodias got her chance to eliminate this thorn on her conscience when Herod celebrated his birthday. Herodias' daughter danced before him and his guests and they were pleased. Herod asked her to ask for anything in return. At the instigation of her mother, she asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter. Grieved but feeling obliged by his oaths to the young girl before his guests, he ordered his execution. Herodias got her wish.