Voice of the Conscience and Herod

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 9:7-9*

*First Reading : Hg 1:1-8*

*Voice of the Conscience and Herod*

*1) Perplexed Herod*

The Gospel reading of the day speaks about Herod, who is perplexed about various things 

When a person is perplexed about something, it is nothing a inner struggle about something between Good and Bad 

So here Herod recalls all his evil deeds, which he had done, especially the murder of John the Baptist

That's why He was perplexed 

*2) Self talk of Herod*

Self talk is one of the important aspect of the Conscience

Here also we see that Herod is talking to Himself about various things 

He recalls the various views of the people about Jesus and present situation 

Herod's self talk goes like this *John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”*

This self talk of Herod shows how much he is troubled within 

*3) The Result of the voice of the Conscience*

Since he was troubled in the conscience, he was trying to see who Jesus is? 

He wanted to verify whether John the Baptist had been risen from the dead? 

He also wanted to verify whether some prophets have come back to life? 

All these things happened because, he was very much troubled in his conscience

*4) Herod and the voice of the conscience*

Herod's conscience was continuously warning him about the evil things which he was doing 

After he murdered John the Baptist, once again his conscience warned him very powerfully about the evil things and the disaster that will happen if he fails to repent 

But the murderer Herod finally Killed his own conscience to satisfy his own worldly desire and the temptations of the flesh 

*5) Herod never Changed His life*

In spite of the powerful voice of the conscience he failed to change his life 

Finally he wanted to see Jesus not to have a divine encounter, but to find out who Jesus is? 

If Jesus was more powerful than His own authority, then Herod wanted to kill even Jesus for the sake of power and authority

The desire of Herod to see Jesus was only to make sure that there is no dangee for his power and authority

*6) Conscience anf Desire to see Jesus*

All of us have our conscience and the voice of the conscience. How do I respond to this voice 

Am I feel perplexed when I do something wrong? What happens after this, in my life?

Do I have a desire to see Jesus? If yes, what is the reason for this desire? 

How do I understand my own conscience??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*