Maymay sa Magbalantay

“Today the Word of God gives us two very different portraits of influence.

In the First Reading from Sirach, we hear praise for King David — a leader remembered not for his power, but for his heart for God. A man who used his gifts, his music, his leadership, to glorify the Lord and uplift his people.

In the Gospel, we meet another ruler — Herod. A man with power, wealth, and position, but whose life is marked by fear, pride, and moral weakness. Because of pride and pressure, he allows the death of John the Baptist.

Two influential people. Two very different legacies. And the Word of God gently invites us to reflect on a beautiful question:

What makes a life truly influential in the eyes of God?

1. A life that uses blessings to glorify God.

Sirach praises David because he used everything he had — his talents, his authority, his creativity — to honor the Lord.

He did not keep his gifts for himself. He turned them into praise.

This is the first mark of a beautiful life: Blessings become offerings.

Like David, we are reminded that wealth, influence, talents, and resources find their highest purpose when they are placed at the service of God’s work.

Not everyone can preach. Not everyone can lead a parish. But everyone can glorify God by how they use what they have.

2. A life that influences others toward what is good.

In the Gospel, Herod is weak. He is easily swayed by people around him. He allows his environment to dictate his decisions.

This is a warning: Influence can be used to destroy or to build.

Herod’s influence leads to death.

David’s influence leads to praise.

The most powerful influence is not loud. It is steady, consistent, and good.

It is the influence of example: generosity, humility, concern for what is right, faithfulness to God.

This is the kind of influence that shapes families, communities, and even generations — often without many words.

The kind of influence that does not pressure, but inspires.

3. The legacy that God remembers.

Sirach says that David’s memory is cherished because he praised God with all his heart.

Herod, on the other hand, is remembered for a banquet that ended in tragedy.

Both had celebrations. One is remembered with honor. The other with regret.

The Word of God reminds us: The true measure of a life is not how grand the moments are, but how meaningful the legacy becomes.

And a meaningful legacy is built quietly over many years: through kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and service to God.

These readings ask us a simple question: When people remember us one day, will they remember our power… or our goodness?

Will they remember what we owned… or what we offered?

May all of us choose to live lives that glorify God and bless others. Because in the end, that is the only legacy that truly lasts.”