Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/570

 The  high  dignity  of  the  Apostles,  and  their  successors  and  assistants, consists in  this,  that  they  are  the  true  representatives  of  Christ. He who receives  them,  receives  our  Lord;  he  who  listens  to  them,  listens to Him;  he  who  ministers  to  them,  ministers  to  Him.

Have you  ever  told  lies? or neglected  your prayers out  of  human  respect? You ask  far  too  often  what  such and such  people  will  think,  and  too  little  what  Almighty  God  will think. Let your  thoughts  dwell  on  hell; and  pray  for  the  gift  of holy  fear.

Pray often,  and  especially  at  Mass,  for  the  successors  of  the Apostles, the  Pope  and  the  bishops.

ERODIAS was  filled  with  hatred of  John  the  Baptist, and sought  to  destroy  him. But Herod  esteemed  John, and for  a time  obeyed  him  in  many  things. Moreover Herod was still  afraid  of  the  people,  who  considered  John  a great  prophet.

Now Herod,  on  his  birthday,  gave  a banquet  to  the  princes and nobles  of  his  kingdom. And the  daughter  of  Herodias,  by her  former  husband,  coming  in,  danced  before  the  guests,  and Herod was  pleased ; whereupon  he  promised,  with  an  oath,  to give*  her  whatsoever  she  would  ask  of  him,  even  if  it  were  the half of  his  kingdom.

But she,  being  instructed  beforehand  by  her  mother,  said: “Give me  here  in  a dish  the  head  of  John  the  Baptist.”  The