Today we are reminded of the prophetic role of St John the Baptist who remained steadfast in the mission entrusted to him by God. His role did not bring him popularity but instead the anger and hatred of others, ultimately leading to his death. However, he did not take the coward's way out by becoming silent but instead continued to vigorously denounce Herod for his adultery. We can thus see the Lord's word to the Prophet Jeremiah also being applied to him - he was indeed a fortified city, a pillar of iron and a wall of bronze who stood in confrontation to what he saw as being wrong in his society.

Herod, in contrast, appears as a weak character with no backbone. Although he liked to listen to John, he did not have the courage to act upon his words. Neither was he able to stand up to the scheming of his wife and stepdaughter. Rather than doing what he knew to be right, he bowed down to external pressure instead, thus attempting to save face and reputation.

Considering these two contrasting characters, we have to look at our own lives and consider if we are prophetic in our own words and deeds or if we are instead blown along with the wind of human approval rather than sticking to our principles.