Gospel Reading: Lk 9:7-9
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.
Reflection: He kept trying to see him
Herod is curious about Jesus. He knows Jesus is different from John the Baptist. People have differing ideas about Jesus. They think he is John resurrected or Elijah or a prophet. Herod is clear in his mind that he has already eliminated John who was once under his custody.
While Herod is interested in meeting Jesus, his purpose is only to satisfy his curiosity. He wants that this extraordinarily talented Galilean be brought to his court for a little entertainment.
Herod will meet Jesus not in Galilee but in Jerusalem, during a Passover feast. Jesus will be sent to him there by Pilate. Herod will not find him entertaining because Jesus’ hands will be tied. He will be under trial, escorted by the military. There will be no showtime; Jesus will say nothing in response to Herod’s questions. We Christians will not get what we want from Jesus if we are looking for something other than what is offering as the Son of God. Jesus does not promise us entertainment. When he appears to us in word and sacrament, it is for our salvation.
We must be thankful if Jesus appears to us like an old man or an abandoned child. Our salvation consists in giving justice to our less fortunate disfigured brothers and sisters.
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Do you keep trying to see Jesus? Why do you look for him?
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