THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Thursday of 25^th week in Ordinary Time, 2021

Hag 1:1-8

Ps

Luke 9:7-9

Pio of Pietrelcina, Memorial

Anxious to see Jesus

Dear friends in Christ, St Pio of Pietrelcina was a Capuchin Friar who bore the marks of the sufferings of Christ in his body (Stigmata) and was a much sought after spiritual advisor, confessor and intercessor. Many miracles had been attributed to him in his life time. 

Today’s first reading (Haggai 1:1-8) gives us an indication on the type of sermons given by Haggai to inspire the rebuilding of the Temple. We could see clearly here that the people were more interested in building their own homes and decorating them than rebuilding the Temple. They felt that wasn’t the best time to focus on the Temple, yet, there won’t be a better time to do so. Haggai told them, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in panelled houses, while this house lies in ruins?…Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat but never get enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and he who earn wages, earns wages to put them into a bag with holes.” He charged them to build the Temple that God might delight to live in their midst. God’s presence is the glory of his people.

Today's gospel (Luke 9:7-9) presents the anxiety of Herod concerning the person of Jesus. On hearing his fame, Herod was told by some, that it was John the Baptist, who had risen from the dead. Others told him, Elijah had appeared; while others said one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod however wondered, “John, I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things.” Herod had killed John, to satisfy a little girl who danced so well at his banquet. He had promised her to ask for anything, even to half of his kingdom. The girl's mother on a revenge mission, saw this as a unique opportunity and so demanded for the head of the prophet on a platter. For John had told Herod, that it was wrong to have married the brother’s wife. She got her wish, ‘the head of John on a platter,’ and now Herod himself is troubled on hearing of the fame of Jesus. There are people in our society today, who do what they know to be wrong, to prove that they are courageous. They often become troubled in conscience and run from pillar to post looking for remedy. How do you treat those who confront you with the truth? Do you silence the prophets in your life by getting rid of them? You will soon come to understand that power is passing, be careful what you do with it.

Let us pray: O Lord, make me strong and courageous to proclaim the truth and so be your faithful follower. Amen. 

+Remain blessed