The disturbed and distressed King Herod and John the Baptist

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventeenth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 14:1-12*

*First Reading : Jer 26:11-16, 24*

*The disturbed and distressed King Herod and John the Baptist*

*1) The Disturbed King*

In today's Gospel we have a king who seems to be disturbed mentally, physically and Morally at the event of His own Birthday

The various reasons for his disturbance could be the following

He had unjustly put John into prison

He didn't listen to his conscience, but listened to his passions 

His irrational decisions made him to lose control over everything 

 His attachment to money, power, position, pleasure and wealth made him to become slave rather than the real King 

*2) John the Baptist*

He was very strong. He was not at disturbed in any way. 

He was morally upright and had the courage to condemn the evil deeds of King Herod 

He could command the respect from every one including the King

So John was a block for Herod for His evil deeds

*3) The Power of John*

John disturbed the conscience of Herod

John disturbed the mind of Herod 

John disturbed the heart of Herod 

John disturbed the conscience, mind and heart  of Herodias. That's why she wanted to kill John

Disturbing a wicked conscience is the greatest thing that one can do

*4) Evil always brings disturbance and destruction*

There was lot of evil deeds in Herod and his household 

It brought destruction of the Holy person 

It brought destruction of Herodias

It brought destruction of Herod also 

It brought destruction of the birthday celebration into murdering a holy man 

Finally evil destroyed everything

*5) Johns mission in my Life*

all of us are called to continue the Mission of John 

John pricked the conscience of Herod who was wicked in his life 

John could do that because of the moral integrity. 

Listening to our own conscience is very important 

By our upright life, we must be the people to prick the wicked conscience which are arroud us 

Am I able to prick the conscience of others just like John pricked the conscience of the Wicked King??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*