Some people associated Jesus with John the Baptist, Elijah, or another prophet. Herod didn't know what to think about him but felt remorse and sought to see him to calm himself. He wanted to see him do a miracle, but Jesus refused to hold a circus for him, so Herod handed him over to Pilate, and Jesus paid with his life. Herod covered one crime with another and one remorse with another crime, like one who kills out of fear.
Remorse is an open wound, but hidden, even to me, because I get used to carrying and anesthetizing it. When it hurts, I feel remorse in body, soul, and life, aware of having done evil and tempted to cover it and not feel it. It's a grace to feel our conscience accuse us, but we're tempted to notice others' sins instead. We must "baptize" this wound, give it a name. To remove it, pray, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." Then examine your life, and ask someone to help you to identify and name the wound: "I feel remorse because I did this concrete act." This is true humility, and it's necessary for healing.
Learn the science and wisdom of accusing ourselves, feeling the wound's pain, learning its origin, and indicting ourselves. Remorse is a sign of salvation. Pray for the grace and courage to accuse yourself, to journey towards salvation.
Hg 1:1-8Lord through Haggai to Judah governor Zerubbabel and high priest Joshua: This people says: “The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” Consider your ways! You've sown much but brought in little, eaten but not been satisfied, drunk but not been exhilarated, clothed yourselves but not been warmed; and whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes. Go bring timber, and build the house, that I may receive glory.
Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b"The Lord takes delight in his people." Sing to the Lord a new song. Be glad in your maker; rejoice in your king; praise his name. For the Lord loves his people and adorns the lowly with victory.
Lk 9:7-9Herod was perplexed because people were saying, “John has been raised,” “Elijah has appeared,” and “A prophet has arisen.” But he said, “John I beheaded, so whom is all this about?” He kept trying to see him.
Reflect
Fr. Jim Clarke homily video: Let Jesus infest you; let your experience of him transform you. Live in, with, and for him. Combat darkness with acts of love....
Creighton: Jesus is performing miracles and Herod is perplexed? I probably would be too, trying to understand what's happening, curious, maybe fearful. In this time of devastating natural disasters, volunteers, first responders, and donors give promise that in times of despair we have an opportunity to care for each other. We are giving to each other and reach out to those in need. These acts of caring and giving show our humanity for each other. These humanitarian efforts make a difference and are remembered. However contributing, paying it forward and giving back are important as part of our daily lives. Give to those in need now, volunteer now. Make a difference for someone now. I can commit to do something everyday.
One Bread, One Body: "The full gospel": We can be empty for many reasons; e.g. that we've committed idolatry by putting our concerns before God's. "Worship of idols is the reason, source, and extremity of all evil." We become empty when we go after idols. To become fulfilled rather than empty, deny yourself and give your life to Jesus. Hunger and thirst for justice. Seek God's kingdom. "Do what [Jesus] tells you." Give Jesus your life, and he who emptied himself to give us life will fill you with the Spirit.
Passionist: Psalm 149 invites the people of Israel to celebrate God in song and dance because God chose them and gave them victory. God's choice and victory should bring us immense joy and hope. Recent hurricanes and earthquakes have left millions of suffering people in their wakes. As we search for ways to bring them hope and healing, may we focus on how much better our lives can be when we're rooted in Christ. May we spread God’s message of hope and peace....
DailyScripture.net: "Suppressing truth": Herod had respected and feared John the Baptist but was more of a people-pleaser than God-pleaser; he silenced and eventually beheaded John to please his family and guests. When reports of Jesus reached him, he became troubled, thinking John had risen. He sought to meet Jesus more out of curiosity and fear than desire to know God; he didn't want to be troubled. We can try to suppress the truth or what points us to truth, but only God can set us free from a guilty conscience or slavery to sin. Relationships force us to respond or react, though we don't know the consequences....
SS. Lorenzo Ruiz(1st Filipino martyr) and companions Dominic Ibañez de Erquicia, Francis Shoyemon, James Kyushei Tomonaga, Michael Kuroboiye, Lucas Alonso of the Holy Spirit, Matthew Kohioye of the Rosary, Antonio González, William Courtet / Thomas of St. Dominic, Niguel de Aozaraza, Vincent Schiwozuka of the Cross, and Lázaro of Kyoto, martyrs
Remorse is an open wound, but hidden, even to me, because I get used to carrying and anesthetizing it. When it hurts, I feel remorse in body, soul, and life, aware of having done evil and tempted to cover it and not feel it. It's a grace to feel our conscience accuse us, but we're tempted to notice others' sins instead. We must "baptize" this wound, give it a name. To remove it, pray, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." Then examine your life, and ask someone to help you to identify and name the wound: "I feel remorse because I did this concrete act." This is true humility, and it's necessary for healing.
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