Reflection on Today’s Gospel – Lk 9:7-9
The tetrarch Herod is the typical man of unbelief facing the problem of Jesus. He is hearing news of Jesus' extraordinary teaching and miracles. He reacts to it with anxiety and curiosity. Yet neither in his anxiety nor in his curiosity is there any trace of this attitude that might lead him to faith. Herod receives news that Jesus is some great man of God. Maybe it was Elijah who came down from heaven, or some other great prophet rose from the dead, or maybe it was John the Baptist whom he, Herod, ordered to murder. This is possible for Herod. Yet Herod did not even think that the great prophets came with a call to conversion. Herod knows only that such a person does not fit into the world to which he is used to - and therefore such someone arouses in him both fear and curiosity.
Herod did not mind to convert, despite being a great sinner, but he was overwhelmed with superstition at the very thought that it might be John the Baptist, risen from the dead. Moreover, it would be interesting to meet the miracle worker.
Indeed, Herod did meet Jesus at last. It was Good Friday. Pilate sent him a prisoner of Jesus. Herod was glad to finally see some miracle. Since Jesus then did not fulfill his desire and did no miracle, Herod despised him and handed him over to his soldiers to mock him.
Then, on Good Friday, Herod was free from both his anxiety and his curiosity about Jesus. Naked unbelief remained in him. He concluded that Jesus was an ordinary man. In addition, a loser. Poor Herod. Even though he lived in the royal palace, he was really poor and unfortunate. He did not recognize the Son of God and his Savior.
Today's Gospel prompts us to look into our conscience and reflect on the quality of our Christian life. Herod had this chance because his anxiety was the breath of God's Spirit in his heart. The Tetrarch knew that he was walking down the wrong path. John the Baptist reminded him of this, so he was imprisoned and then killed. Perhaps Herod was afraid of another John-like prophet who would point out his mistakes.
When a person is stuck in sin for a long time, a good spirit comes and gnaws at the conscience. This person feels like he has a pebble in his shoe. Perhaps this is how Herod felt when he heard about Jesus. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to internal feelings, to the voice of conscience and not to reject God's actions, but to convert. God wants to save everyone. He cares about our eternal happiness, which is why he stings and bites our conscience.
It is grace, if you accept it, you will rejoice and be glad all the days of life. Lord, I thank You for being merciful to me, stretching out your hand and grasping me when I am drowning in sin. You move my heart so I can discover what I am doing wrong. Thank you, Jesus, for each purification in the sacrament of penance.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george