Gospel Reflection for The 26th day of September in the year of Our Lord, 2024

Gospel

Luke 9:7-9

7 Now Herod, the tetrarch, heard of all things that were done by him; and he was in a doubt, because it was said 8 By some, that John was risen from the dead: but by other some, that Elias had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. 9 And Herod said: John I have beheaded; but who is this of whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

Herod is an interesting figure. Of course, he is remembered as one of history's greatest villains. However, rarely does he seem to be motivated purely by evil. He seems to be completely amoral, lacking any moral guide within that would tell him right from wrong. What he does, as horrible as his actions are, seem to be what he considered expedient, or reasonable. Oddly enough, he seems to recognize in Saint John the Baptist and in Jesus something special. He takes an interest in their teaching. But, he does not let religion get in the way of his ambition and power. According to certain legends, he even sought our Lord's sacred garment after the Resurrection, believing it would save him from demons and damnation.

As I write this, our president boasts loudly of his supposed Catholicism. I say supposed, because he certainly does not adhere to Catholic teaching. He carries his rosary while proclaiming stronger support for abortion than any president in US history. He should have been excommunicated long ago for the sake of his own soul because so long as he receives the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin he is committing even graver sins. He is also causing scandal and confusion among the faithful. Frankly, most of our bishops and priests are either moral cowards or actively complicit in his sin. By giving him the Eucharist, knowing his advocacy for murder, they are sinning as well and will be held accountable to a higher degree than a lay person.

Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” Joe Biden's rosary will do him no more good than our Lord's garment did Herod. Belief in God is essential, but murder is still murder and mortal sin is still mortal sin. Our priests and bishops should be very clear on this point and that Catholics may not support abortion and remain in communion with the Church. If they cared more about saving souls than being popular with rich and powerful people, they would explain that before such a person can receive communion they must go to confession and reform their beliefs and actions.

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Judson Carroll is the author of several books, including his newest, A Daily Catholic Devotional, Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings July-December, 2024 It is Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3ZTXQB4

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith. It is also Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

His new podcast is The Uncensored Catholic https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-uncensored-catholic