Have you ever felt pressured to do something that you knew was not right? How did you react?

Today we see Herod caught in a predicament. He has placed himself in this situation by making an unnecessary oath to his party guests.

On one hand he likes to listen to John the Baptist. He sees John as a righteous and holy person. Due to his oath, however, if he does not kill John, Herod is afraid that his guests will no longer respect him. Herod must choose between his own reputation and John's life.

John, on the other hand, is not afraid to tell the truth as it is. He criticizes Herod for marrying his brother's wife, while his brother is still married to her. John knows Herod's behaviour is wrong; he chooses to speak up and witnesses to the truth. John perseveres in doing what is right, no matter what Herod or others may think of him.

In the end, Herod cowers before fear and bows to the opinion of others. In the end, John stands strong in the truth¡Kand pays for this with his life.

Telling the truth is not easy. When we witness to truth, we witness to Christ. Am I called to witness to the truth? Am I called to speak out about something that I know is not right?