the girl in turn gave it to her mother

“He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter
and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother.” (MK 6: 27-28)

It is a horrible story about hate, pangs of conscience, crime, stupid oaths, and vanity. But it is an even more terrible part of this story about the mother and daughter relationship and the damage the mother can do to her own daughter. “The girl in turn gave it to her mother” has probably more meanings than we can imagine. When we protect our relationship, we can be an amazing example for our children: what love means, how we can make our lives better, and why rituals are so important. And we hope that our children “in turn” will give it to their children. 

“Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart, and yield a harvest through perseverance.” (Gospel acclamation)