Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Mark 6:14-29
“When he heard him speak, he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him."
This line gets to me every time I hear today’s Gospel. On the one hand, Herod didn’t want to hear what John the Baptist had to say because it challenged his sinful lifestyle. Nobody likes to be criticized, especially someone as prideful and self-centered as Herod. On the other hand, Herod was attracted to what John had to say. Why? Because John had “something” about him that, deep inside, Herod knew he needed. John possessed righteousness and the grace of God. Even more, he had the Truth.
It’s unpleasant for me to admit, but I have some “Herod” in me. I don’t like to be criticized or told what to do, especially regarding personal decisions. I might not want to do away with the person speaking to me as Herod did, but I would like to do away with their words! It takes humility to accept the message God is sending me through the people in my life. I suspect I’m not alone in this.
When I look around, I see many – far too many – people exercising this “Herodian thinking.” They’re agitated by the Truth and try to do away with the voice of the speaker. This, I believe, is at the root of the cancel culture that has spawned widespread censorship and division. I know that turning this tide begins with me. When individual hearts begin to change, the world will begin to change.
Ponder:
How often do you catch yourself exercising “Herodian thinking?" What can you do to begin changing that?
Pray:
St. John the Baptist, help me to be courageous in speaking the Truth and humble enough to listen to it.
Copyright 2022 Marge Steinhage Fenelon
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