Trying to see Jesus

Sisters and brothers in Christ, in today's Gospel we read how Herod "kept trying to see [Jesus]". Herod and others could not see Jesus for who he is. They think Christ is John the Baptist raised from the dead Elijah or one of the ancient prophets.

We oftentimes times see Jesus for who we want him to be for us rather than who he is - the Son of God, the Word made Flesh and dwelt among us, fully divine and fully human, Real Presence in the Eucharist. These can be stumbling for us if we do not encounter Jesus, enter into a personal relationship with him, and continue to be formed in our Catholic faith.

Faith is a lifelong journey and if we do not do these things, we might not see Jesus no matter how hard we keep trying. Worst, without a relationship with Jesus and a formed faith, we might see Christ for who he is not rather than who he truly is, as the Lord tells us in today's Gospel Acclamation: "I am the way and the truth and the life."

. . .

Gospel of the Day

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.