Weird and pathetic happenings shock as well as demoralise us. But how are we not overwhelmed by all the feelings of anger, sadness and despair, perhaps even the dark thoughts of taking revenge?

Today's gospel reminisces for us the horrible and tragic death of John the Baptist at the hand of King Herod. The perturbed mind, debased morality, cowardliness - the whole of Herod - were played out in the drama of his birthday party when he was shown to be too much of a weakling to exercise his authority to save the life of someone whom he had respect for and wanted to protect. What a pity he lost that chance to redeem himself.

But let us not lose sight of something important here that quietly points us to Jesus: "Then John's disciples came, took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.