Holy Gospel | Matthew 14:1-13

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (Matthew 14:1-13)

At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. 

But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." 

And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 

And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. 
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a lonely place apart. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.

Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.