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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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