Reflection for Saturday August 1 Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 14:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him. Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him “It is not lawful for you to have her. 

Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. 

Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist. The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

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Reflection:

There is a saying that, "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." King Herod is a sobering example of someone who was corrupted by absolute power. Instead of ruling over his power, he allowed his power to rule over him. Had he remained in control of himself, he would not have ordered the beheading of John.

When leaders allow power to go to their heads, they can do many foolish things. They may begin to act as though they are greater than God, saying and doing things that no humble person would ever dare to say or do. Yet this temptation is not limited to leaders alone. Whenever we allow power, authority, influence, status, or even our own pride to control us, we too can make choices that wound others and dishonor God.

In the Gospel, we encounter King Herod as a powerful reminder of what happens when pride replaces humility. His arrogance led him to order the execution of John, believing he could silence the voice of truth.

But history and Scripture remind us that those who abuse the power entrusted to them may appear victorious for a time, yet they will ultimately face God's righteous judgment. No earthly power can ever surpass the authority of the One who is the true King of kings.

What, then, is the lesson for us? It is simple yet profound: we must never misuse whatever power, authority, influence, or responsibility God has entrusted to us. Whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or ministries, every gift we possess is meant to serve others and glorify God, not ourselves.

As the saying goes, "What goes around comes around." More importantly, God's Word reminds us that we will all give an account of how we have lived and how we have treated others. Whatever we sow today, we will one day reap.

May this Gospel lead us to examine our hearts with sincerity. Do we use our influence to build others up or to promote ourselves? Do we exercise authority with humility, compassion, and justice, or do we allow pride to dictate our decisions? Let us ask the Holy Spirit to keep our hearts humble, our motives pure, and our lives always surrendered to God's will, remembering that true greatness is found not in power, but in faithful service.

Today, let us honestly ask ourselves:Is the influence God has entrusted to us drawing others closer to Him, or has our pride begun to take His rightful place in our hearts?—Marino J. Dasmarinas