In today’s Gospel, Herod finds himself in a real predicament. He has John the Baptist arrested because the Baptist publicly criticizes Herod for his marriage to his sister-in-law. Herod desires to execute John, but he knows it would not be well-received by John’s followers. At a dinner, he publicly promises to grant his stepdaughter whatever she desires. When her request is revealed, he realizes he cannot back out of his promise without appearing dishonest. In each of these instances, Herod is controlled by external influences: the Baptist, the Baptist’s followers, and the crowd present at the party. He lacks freedom, a situation many public figures experience.

While there is much in Herod’s life we cannot relate to, the lack of freedom and being controlled by external forces is something each of us experiences. We fear judgment or loss of love, and we seek to appear positive or competent. This controls our actions and prevents us from being ourselves.

When we look at those in our history who have been prophetic, like Jeremiah in our first reading and John the Baptist in our Gospel reading, we see that they are free. They are not driven by external opinions or a need to be liked or admired. Rather, it is the Spirit of God that drives them.

Where in your life do you experience a lack of freedom, and how does it control you? What is God inviting you to?