Saturday, August 3, 2024
Jer 26:11-16, 24; Mt 14:1-12
Today’s Gospel offers proof of Herod’s hardheartedness.
Life always gives us a second chance to correct our mistakes. However, it depends on us to spot those opportunities and make use of them.
The Gospel shows that Herod is not one of those vigilant ones who makes use of the opportunity to right the wrongs. Hence, we learn from Herod how not to be an unrepentant sinner.
The text makes it clear that Herod had regard for John the Baptist. Mark 6:14-29 best describes Herod’s attitude towards John the Baptist. ‘Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. [Herod] he liked to listen to him [John]’ (verse 20).
Herod certainly showed signs of a repentant sinner; however, he lacked the will to act on his compunction.
When things go wrong in our lives, we feel God has abandoned us.
But how often do we recognize the hand of God in our lives?
Every opportunity to correct ourselves is an intervention from God.
Herod’s greatest opportunity was John the Baptist. But he failed to benefit from it.
The mercy of God always intervenes in our lives to make them better.
Let us pray for God’s grace to act on our repentance and lead worthy lives.
Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar
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