Today's Gospel: Luke 9:7-9 - St. Vincent de Paul In today’s Gospel, Herod hears the word spreading about Jesus. Perplexed about Who Jesus is, Herod wishes to see Him for himself. A few verses later (LK 9:18-20) Jesus will address these same rumors Herod heard with His own disciples. He asks, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” The disciples provide the same responses that the people gave to Herod, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Jesus questions them further, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter replies, “The Messiah of God.” The difference between Peter’s response and Herod’s is striking. Peter responds definitively and with Truth. Herod remains confused. Herod keeps trying to see Jesus to find out who He really is. However, Herod never gets to see Jesus until His trial on Good Friday. When Jesus is brought before Herod, Luke tells us “Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign.” (LK 23:8) Herod questions Him for a long time, but Jesus neither provides a response nor performs a sign for him. Herod finds no guilt in Jesus, but mocks Jesus and treats Him contemptuously. Ever since the Incarnation, Jesus has been misunderstood, misidentified, and missed completely. It should come as no surprise when this behavior continues today. Even in my own life, I can vacillate between Peter’s assured response and my own confusion - wishing Jesus would come perform a sign for me. I hope that, like Herod, I “keep trying to see Jesus,” but, unlike Herod, I seek Him with an open heart, truly desiring to see Jesus for Who He is.

Ponder:

Do I continually seek Jesus’ presence in my life? Do I seek to know Him for who He is or do I only ask Him to perform signs and miracles for me?

Pray:

Jesus, I am trying to see You. Please make me aware of Your holy presence in my life.
Copyright 2018 Mary Swafford Mary Swafford is a homeschooling mama and welcomed her seventh baby in May. She is a former youth minister and has been a catechist for fifteen years. Mary has a Master of Theological Studies from Ave Maria University’s Institute for Pastoral Theology. Her passion is helping people encounter Christ through his holy Church. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
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