Reflection for Friday February 6 Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs: Mark 6:14-29

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets. But when Herod learned of it, he said “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.  

Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife. Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. 

When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.  

He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother “What shall I ask for? Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist. The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.  

The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

What does it mean when we are constantly bothered by our conscience? It often means that deep within us, we know that we have done something wrong. Our conscience is God’s gentle voice reminding us that we are called to live in truth and righteousness. And oftentimes, the only cure for wrongdoing is not to hide it, but to humbly correct it before God.

For example, when a believer becomes unfaithful to a spouse, the conscience naturally becomes troubled. There is an inner unrest that will not easily disappear. This inner torment usually remains until there is honest admission, sincere repentance, and true surrender to God’s mercy. Our conscience is not meant to destroy us, but to lead us back to the loving arms of the Lord.

When King Herod heard about the miraculous works of Jesus and the growing popularity He was gaining among the people, Herod remembered John, whom he had ordered to be beheaded. Even though Herod knew that he himself had ordered John’s death, fear and guilt began to trouble his heart. It was as if his conscience was speaking loudly to him, reminding him of the grave wrong that he had done.

Why did King Herod think of John when he heard about Jesus? It was because his conscience was already burdened. He had done something terribly wrong, and the price he paid was a troubled and restless heart. Guilt became his constant companion.

Aren’t we like that too when we do wrong? When we hurt others, when we choose selfishness over love, or when we ignore God’s voice in our hearts, we also experience that inner unrest. But unlike Herod, we are blessed because we are given the chance to repent, to confess, and to begin again. When we sincerely turn back to God, He does not condemn us. Instead, He forgives us, heals us, and restores our peace.

So why should we allow ourselves to be trapped in guilt when God is always ready to forgive? Why not strive, with God’s grace, to avoid sin and to live lives that are pleasing to Him? Yes, we may fall. Yes, we are weak. But we are never alone, because Jesus is always ready to help us become clean and faithful each day.

Today, let us ask Jesus to purify our hearts, to strengthen our conscience, and to help us choose what is right even when it is difficult. Let us not be afraid to admit our sins, because God’s mercy is always greater than our failures.

If today our conscience is speaking to us, will we listen and return to the Lord… or will we silence His voice and carry the burden of guilt in our hearts?— Marino J. Dasmarinas