Saturday of the 17th Week: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: BE A PROMPTER OF GOOD DEEDS
(Matthew 14:1–12)
The Gospel of today tells us about the life, ministry and death of John the Baptist. His death was prompted by a woman, Herodias.
It was on the birthday of Herod. The daughter of Herodias had danced so well and impressed him. This made him to make a promise under an oath to give her whatever she might ask. She went to her mother and asked what she should request. The scripture observed that she made her request as: “Prompted by her mother”.
She requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
What a request by a mother!
When you get the opportunity or privilege to make requests, what do you request? What do you prompt people to do? What have you prompted your husband to do? What have you prompted your children to do? What have you prompted your wife to do?
Many sins, crimes and actions committed by people are prompted by people behind the scenes. Who are the prompters of the terrorism, insurgency, insecurity, kidnappings, and human trafficking in our country? The energy we spend in prompting evil, we should use them to prompt, inspire and motivate people to do good.
The prompting, be it positive or negative, could be done through words, actions, and negligence. So, let us beware of the effects of what we express especially to the vulnerable and the innocent people around us looking up to us as models and mentors.
May God deliver you from evil prompters, from inheriting parental, governmental, environmental and societal mistakes. May you not be a victim of evil prompting; bloodshed, fraud, addictions, immorality of all kinds and forms.
LET US PRAY
Thank You Lord for prompting us by Your word today. Save us from evil advisers especially familiar ones, deliver us from scandalous forces drawing close to lead us into sin through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Saturday (17th Week, Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh