Gospel Reading for September 25, 2025 – Luke 9: 7-9
CONSCIENCE
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.
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This is what happens when we commit grave sins. That inner voice inside us called CONSCIENCE, haunts us and reminds us of what we did. We will be unable to rest easy unless we make amends or serve a sentence in jail. It is this internal sense of right and wrong. We cannot use the excuse, “sapagkat kami ay tao lamang” or “tao lang kasi.” We are not “tao lang” because we are made in God’s image and likeness. And, it is because of this that we can never be comfortable doing bad. It is only when we do good that we feel good and at peace with ourselves.
Now, there are those who grew up having an ERRONEOUS CONSCIENCE because of the adults they grew up with, such as those involved in criminal and immoral activities. The child’s sense of right and wrong becomes confused, and growing up in such an environment will teach the child the opposite: right becomes wrong and wrong becomes right. It is such a tragedy for a child to lose God’s image and likeness through no fault of theirs.
Hopefully, we are not among such adults who cause the little ones to sin, because it is better for them that a heavy millstone be hung around their necks and be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18: 6). The punishment for such adults will truly be very heavy!
Lord, may we always be instruments of your goodness and love!
