25th Week in Ordinary Time : Thursday 25th September 2025

We cannot take the blessings we have received for granted. Take heart to detach the sense of entitlement like those who believe that they deserve prosperity and blessings more than others. The prophet Haggai rebuked the people of Jerusalem. After the return from exile, the temple was still in ruins. Haggai told them to take stock of their blessings and rebuild the house of God. It was not right for them to prosper their selfish desires before the worship of God. Their spiritual needs as a people and their relationship with one another and with God are of supreme importance.

Herod was ruled by his passions and emotions. He had promised Salome half of his kingdom if she would perform a dance for him, and she complied. But at the instigation of her mother, she asked for the head ofJohn the Baptist. Herod was appalled; he respected John, but he did not want to lose face in front of all his guests, so he gave the order. Now reports of the ministry and miracle of Jesus reached his ears, and he was terrified because he wondered if it was John who had come back to life. It was his conscience that tormented him. He kept wondering who this person was and why he had come. He was an incredibly weak man and did not have the courage to do what he knew was right. So, listen to the voice of conscience rather than the voice of fears and temptations.

PRAYER Lord, give me courage and integrity in my duty.