Today’s Gospel:  Luke 9:7-9

REFLECTION
Herod ruled over that part of the country now traversed by the roaming band of preachers, and the fact that interest was aroused even within Herod’s palace indicates the overwhelming success of the Jesus’ missionary venture. Up to this time, only certain privileged places had known the manifestation of Christ’s power to heal, and to those places huge crowds had journeyed to witness the spectacle. Now things had changed. The disciples had systematically journeyed from village to village until the entire region heard the good news. Those who had been unable to go to Christ, were left without excuse, for the Gospel had been preached in their own streets; miracles had been performed almost on their doorstep. Throughout Galilee there was only one topic of conversation; all men spoke of Christ. All true preaching does this. When the population became excited by what was taking place, it was to be expected that someone would tell Herod. Here we have the only indication within Luke’s Gospel that John the Baptist had been murdered. Herod had succeeded in silencing the voice of the wilderness preacher, but he had not been as successful in silencing the accusation of his conscience. The testimony and speculation of the crowds increased his agitation, and finally the uneasy ruler decided it was necessary to see this Jesus.

Today’s Reading:  Eccl 1:2-11

PRAYER
Lord, when we do wrong, where can we hide from you?  We are always transparent to you.  Help us therefore to always do what is right and pleasing to you. In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.