Daily HOMILY for August 3, 2019: Saturday 17th Week of Ordinary Time, Cycle C

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Saturday 17th Week in Ordinary Time

Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours

August 3, 2019

THE POWER OF WORDS ++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Our words can be very powerful

Ø  For example, if we tell children that their dreams to become a microbiologist or a psychologist or what they’re thinking about are unreal, we may be dashing talent that is there and we’re not seeing

Ø  If in anger we tell our youth they are simply immoral instead of just counseling them that what they are doing is wrong, they may feel put down and simply continue on a destructive path

Ø  If we tell a spouse that he or she is insensitive instead of just focusing on the behavior that is bothering us, we may be alienating them and just worsening the situation

Ø  If we call certain groups of people lazy, we may be creating a situation where they end up with no real opportunity to be productive and responsible.

THE POWER OF HEROD’S WORDS ++++++++++++++++

Ø  Today’s Gospel teaches us of the power of words

Ø  Herod is delighted with the dance that the daughter of his new wife Herodias has performed

Ø  He swears that he will reward the girl with whatever she asks for

Ø  The young girl’s mother, Herodias, advises her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a plate

Ø  Herodias hates John the Baptist because he correctly said that her marriage to Herod was wrong.

Ø  Finally, because of what he had said publicly, Herod feels impelled to comply with the request and he does so

CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  So, a powerful lesson from this Gospel is that our words are very powerful

Ø  They have the potential for great good and great harm

Ø  We need to think, reflect, and pray before we speak 

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