Daily Gospel Reflection for September 25, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Leslie Lynch

Today's Gospel: Luke 9:7-9

In today’s reading, Herod hears of Jesus and all that was said of Him. No one seemed to know who He really was. “John,” whom Herod beheaded, “has been raised from the dead,” “Elijah has appeared,” and “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 

Perplexed, Herod kept trying to see Him.

One has to wonder why he was thwarted in his quest. Clearly, multitudes who sought Jesus succeeded, as this passage appears just before the feeding of the five thousand.

Or maybe it’s not much of a mystery.

Herod was thoroughly entangled in worldly pursuits, especially the pursuit of power. His motives in seeking Jesus were selfish to the point of paranoia. This was a man who murdered his wife and two sons because he thought they were threats. 

Those who did find Jesus sought spiritual and physical healing.

Herod could not shed his spiritual blindness, but his question remains valid for us today.

Who is Jesus? Who is He to me? Am I curious to know Him better? Does knowing Jesus change me? Am I entangled in worldly ways or pursuits that blind me to Jesus, even when He’s right in front of me? How can I orient my heart, so that when I keep trying to see Jesus and grow closer to Him, God/the Holy Spirit will reveal Him to me? 

Luke reveals who Jesus is five times in the remainder of this chapter. Ponder those revelations over the next few weeks. Give thanks that God, in His mercy, will open our eyes and hearts to grow closer to Jesus as we seek Him in truth and humility.

Ponder:

In what way(s) am I spiritually blind, and how can I reorient my heart to receive Jesus?

Pray:

Jesus, please open my eyes to habits, pursuits, or attitudes that blind me to Your presence, and help me to see You in every moment and circumstance of my life.

Copyright 2025 Leslie Lynch

Leslie Lynch lives near Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and a rescued, feral-turned-sweetheart cat. She’s written three full-length novels: Hijacked, Unholy Bonds, and Opal’s Jubilee; and two novellas: Christmas Hope and Christmas Grace. She is an occasional contributor to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’s newspaper, The Criterion, and holds an MFA in Writing from Spalding University. Learn more at www.leslielynch.com.