Herod's statement—“This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead!

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Seventeenth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 14:1-12*

*First Reading : Lv 25:1, 8-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : 67:2-3, 5, 7-8*

*Herod's statement—“This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead!”*

*1) Psychological Guilt and Fear*

Herod had beheaded John despite knowing he was a righteous and holy man (Mark 6:20). 

Now, upon hearing about Jesus’ miracles, his conscience is stirred.

Instead of joy or curiosity, Herod is haunted by guilt and fear. 

He assumes the miraculous power at work in Jesus must be John, risen to avenge or confront him.

Guilt makes people see ghosts, not grace.

This shows how unrepented sin can distort perception.

Herod doesn’t see Jesus for who He is—the Son of God—but through the lens of his unresolved past.

*2) Distorted Understanding of Resurrection*

Herod’s statement suggests a superstitious belief in resurrection or reincarnation, but without real spiritual insight. 

The idea that John could come back from the dead to perform miracles reflects fear, not faith.

Herod believes in resurrection, but not in repentance.

Unlike true biblical resurrection hope (e.g., Jesus’ resurrection as victory over death), Herod sees resurrection as a threat, not a promise.

*3) Contrast Between Power and Prophecy*

John had no miracles associated with him (John 10:41), yet Herod attributes Jesus’ miracles to him. 

This shows Herod’s failure to distinguish the unique identity of Jesus. He sees only a guilty past, not the present revelation of God.

It also highlights how the prophetic voice, even silenced, continues to convict. 

John may be dead, but his message still echoes in Herod’s conscience.

The truth cannot be buried—it will rise again and confront the heart.

*4) The Power of a Witnessed Life*

John’s life was so impactful that even Herod could not forget him. 

The fear that John had come back shows the lasting power of a godly life—a legacy that speaks even after death.

A faithful life leaves a mark even on the hearts of the wicked.

Herod had silenced the voice, but not the influence.

This encourages Christians today to live prophetic, courageous lives, knowing that even in persecution, truth endures.

*5) A Mirror to Examine Ourselves*

Herod’s reaction invites us to ask:

Are we running from a truth we need to face?

Do we try to explain away spiritual things out of guilt or fear?

Do we mistake conviction for condemnation?

Rather than fearing that the past will rise to haunt us, we are invited by Jesus to bring the past to the Cross, where mercy meets truth.

Herod reminds us that believing in resurrection is not enough—what matters is how we respond to it. 

Will we be like Herod, haunted by truth and clinging to sin? 

Or like the disciples, transformed by the risen Christ and sent to proclaim life?

*6) Herod’s View vs. Biblical Resurrection Hope*

Herod’s View - Based on fear and guilt

Biblical View - Based on faith and hope

Herods View : Misunderstands power as threat

Biblical View : Understands power as life-giving

Heord Sees resurrection as vengeance . Biblical view Sees resurrection as victory over death

Heords view - Leads to paranoia

Biblical view - Leads to peace and transformation

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*