Man can Kill but can't control God and His Mission

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

25th Week – Thursday

Gospel – Luke 9:7-9

First Reading – Qoh - 1:2-11

Man can Kill but can't control God and His Mission

 1) Herod Killed John

 In the famous episode of Herod's birthday we come across the beheading of John the Baptist.

John was imprisoned by Herod for condemning his immoral life and speaking the Truth  

The Herodias who had kept grudge against John the Baptist for condemning her immoral life, finally succeeded in murdering John. 

2) When Jesus appeared - the reaction of people

When Jesus did lots of miracles and mighty works, people had different things to speak about Jesus 

Some said, John has been raised from the dead”;

Others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”;

 Still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”

Herod said, “John I beheaded.

Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”

3) The message of the various expressions of people

One thing is very clear. 

John killed only John the Baptist. But with the arrival of Jesus people saw 4 different personalities in Jesus 

Some saw risen John in Jesus 

Some saw Elijha in Jesus 

Some saw a great prophet in Jesus 

Herod also saw a great person in Jesus, but he was not clear about who He was 

Herod killed one person and people perceived 4 persons in Jesus 

4) No one can control the Good work of God

Some may think that by killing God's messanger and prophets they can control the God's work 

But the fact is that, when the wicked people  kill one God's messanger God raises 4 or 10 persons to continue His work 

Herod killed only John, with Jesus there were 4 different persons who were working in the place of John the Baptist. 

Nothing can stop Gods  work and no one can fight against God. 

5) Man is only perplexed before God's Work

Herod was greatly perplexed because he saw Gods wonders in the life of Jesus. 

Jesus' mission and miracles were really a reflection of Gods wonders, which makes Herod to get perplexed. He was perplexed by seeing the God's great deeds. 

Ultimately the Herod's example shows us that, he could not control Gods work by killing John but he was perplexed, got confused, was amazed at Gods work. This is what happens before Gods mighty power.

6) One is unable to kill truth and Good

No one can kill truth. So far there isn't any one who has succeeded in killing the truth. 

When one is killed for the sake of truth, God raises  another ten people, to spread His mission. This is the logic of God. 

Truth and good ultimately will reign. Because truth and Good are the reflections of God. Wherever there is Good and truth, there is God. So no one can fight against truth and good.

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore