Reflection for September 24 Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:7-9

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”

But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

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Reflection:

How would we feel when we do something wrong, adulterous, or immoral? Our conscience can become deeply troubled. The disturbance in our hearts and minds can continue to trouble us until we find closure regarding the wrong that we have done. Sometimes, no matter how much we try to forget what we have done, our conscience continues to remind us that something is not right.

Herod the tetrarch was very much troubled when he heard the news about Jesus. Why? Because Herod thought that Jesus was John, whom he had ordered to be killed. Herod was already being troubled by his conscience because of the wrong he had done to John. Perhaps this was why he said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” (Luke 9:9).

Our conscience can be a powerful reminder of the difference between what is right and what is wrong. When we deliberately do something that goes against God's commandments, we may carry within us a burden that cannot easily be silenced. We may try to distract ourselves, keep ourselves busy, or even pretend that nothing happened, but deep within us, our conscience may continue to speak.

What, then, can we do when our conscience troubles us? Let us avoid wrongdoing in whatever form it may take. Let us strive to live clean and upright lives before God and our fellow human beings. And when we fall into sin, let us not allow pride to keep us away from God. Instead, let us humble ourselves, acknowledge our wrongdoing, seek forgiveness, and make amends whenever possible.

God does not desire that we remain prisoners of guilt. He calls us to repentance, healing, and reconciliation. When our conscience troubles us, may we see it not merely as a source of pain but also as an invitation to return to God. Let us open our hearts to His mercy and allow His grace to lead us back to the path of righteousness and peace.

A troubled conscience can keep us awake at night, but a repentant heart can find rest in God's mercy. Let us therefore choose to walk honestly before God and others, knowing that a life lived in truth and righteousness brings a deeper and more lasting peace.

Are there things we have done that continue to trouble our conscience? Instead of hiding from God or allowing guilt to consume us, are we willing to humble ourselves, seek His forgiveness, make things right where we can, and return wholeheartedly to Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas