THE PRICE OF SELFISHNESS

Reflection for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Year C
Heb 13:1-8, Mk 6:14-29
Today we heard about the touching story of the beheading of St John the Baptist. One thing led to another, at the end, the great Precursor of Jesus Christ was martyred. Selfishness grows to be bloodthirsty!

Hero’s selfish desire for the beautiful wife of His brother Philip, met the ambition of Herodias to be First Lady of Kingdom. The show of glamour at the birthday party set Hero’s pride on fire, which led him to make unnecessary utterance, and a careless and hasty vow. Pride often leads to hasty commitments with regrettable consequences. The undecided girl found her self challenged. Imagine, she was big enough to entertain the guests but too little to decide for herself what she wanted! There's indication that she was pampered and trained to be selfish, instead of being responsible. Grudge and lust have something in common : they seek for opportunity! In Herodias, both found a common home. Hence, she would not miss this opportunity. Thus she swiftly responded to her daughter,  “The head of John the Baptist.”

A little seed of selfishness can grow into a giant murderous tree. The innocent always pays the price! However, the most innocent Blood had already been shed for our every selfishness. The Blood of Jesus has been poured out to satisfy for our grudge and selfish desires. Therefore,  we have not reason to be selfish. In other words, selfishness can no more grow in us since the blood it yearns for has been poured out.

That is why the first reading urges us, “let brotherly love continue.” There should be no restrictions to our charity and hospitality. We should avoid those selfish desires that build up lust, greed, grudge and fear. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and fore ever.”

Fr Jude Chinwe Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Arch Angels’ Parish
Satelite Town, Lagos.
Friday 8th February, 2019.