Universal Utterings

for February 6, 2026

A Godcast

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02-06-2026 Mark 6 v1429 The Head of John the Baptist

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The Gospel of Mark Chapter 6 Verse 14 thru 29

14 King Herod heard about it, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” 17 Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 20 Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. 21 She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 Herodias’s own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” 23 He even swore [many things] to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 26 The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. 27 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

In Mark 6:14-29, we encounter the tragic account of the beheading of John the Baptist. This story reveals the destructive power of grudges and the deep consequences they can have on our lives. Herod, gripped by a mix of fear and guilt, had imprisoned John for condemning his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Herodias harbored a bitter grudge against John and manipulated her daughter, Salome, to dance for Herod. In a moment of reckless ego, Herod promised Salome anything she desired, leading to John's execution.

This narrative serves as a sobering reminder that holding onto grudges can breed animosity, resulting in spiritual and emotional death. Herod’s inability to confront his wrongdoing, coupled with Herodias’ insatiable resentment, transformed a personal conflict into a tragic loss of life. John's death symbolizes the destructive nature of unresolved conflict and the perils of allowing bitterness to rule our hearts.

Conversely, the message of forgiveness is a powerful antidote to such grudges. By embracing forgiveness, we free ourselves from the chains of resentment and open the door to the possibilities of grace and renewal. Christ calls us to forgive, not only for our sake but to reflect His love and mercy. While grudges may lead to death, forgiveness leads to eternal life—a life where we can experience peace, restoration, and a deepened relationship with our Creator. As we reflect on this passage, let us choose the path of forgiveness, allowing God's love to transform our hearts. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

02-06-2026 Mark 6 v1429

**The Head of John the Baptist**

In Herod's court, a tale unfolds,

Of power, fear, and stories told.

A prophet bold, John was his name,

Whose voice thundered, igniting flame.

He spoke of truth, of sin laid bare,

Challenged the throne with fervent care.

For Herod’s heart, in shadows dwelled,

In secret sins, his spirit quelled.

Upon the feast, the revelry rang,

With dancing and laughter, the banquet sang.

But whispers grew, as darkness crept,

For John's bold words, deep secrets kept.

Made captive, chained, in a cell so cold,

John stood firm, his spirit bold.

Herod, perplexed, despite his might,

Knew something stirred in the dead of night.

A daughter danced with grace untold,

Herod’s heart warmed, his mind controlled.

“Ask me your wish, I’ll grant it all,”

But folly’s snare would bring his fall.

Unbeknownst to him, the wish was grim,

Herodias sought revenge on a whim.

"Give me his head upon a plate,"

The king’s decision sealed John’s fate.

With trembling hands, the order came down,

Innocent blood stained the crown.

A martyr for truth, a prophet slain,

In silence now, was John’s refrain.

Through feasts and power, the lesson rings clear,

In shadows of might, the heart knows no fear.

For righteousness speaks, even to the grave,

And echoes resound for the just and the brave. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

February 6, 2026 @ 04:50 AM EST

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