Matthew 14:9-13: a reflection

9The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given, 10and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. 11His head was brought on a platter and given to the young lady; and she brought it to her mother. 12His disciples came, took the body, and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. 13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.

John the Baptist is put to death to satisfy a reckless oath made at a banquet. Matthew tells it without dwelling on the horror. A king who knew better gave the order rather than lose face before his guests. John's disciples came, took his body, buried it, and then went and told Jesus. Even in their grief, they knew where to carry the news.

And how does Jesus respond? He withdrew by boat to a lonely place, apart. The Lord who would soon face his own death felt this loss. He did not brush it aside or hide his need to grieve. There is something tender in seeing Jesus seek solitude to mourn his cousin and forerunner. He knows what it is to receive news that breaks the heart.

When grief comes to you, follow the pattern of both John's disciples and their Lord. Carry the news to Jesus, as they did, telling him plainly what has happened. And do not be ashamed to withdraw and mourn, as he did. The Christ you follow is not a stranger to sorrow. He makes room for lament, and when the crowds found him even in that lonely place, he still turned toward them with compassion.

Lord Jesus, you grieved the loss of one you loved, and you know the weight of hard news. When sorrow finds me, teach me to carry it straight to you and to give my heart room to mourn. Meet me in the lonely place, as you met the crowds, and let your compassion be my comfort. Amen.