From today’s Scripture: “But Herod said, ‘John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he kept trying to see him.” —Lk 9:9

Herod the King hears of the wondrous words and works of Jesus. Some say this is John the Baptist redivivus. This is impossible. Herod had John beheaded. He tries to see Jesus to ascertain who he is.

Hearing the good news about Jesus leads to seeing who Jesus is. Seeing, they say, is believing. Herod, the Gospel says, keeps trying to see Jesus. The word “try” is key. He doesn’t succeed. If he truly sees Jesus, then he will believe. This Herod doesn’t achieve. Blessed are those who hear and see and believe. They are more blessed than a king.

Let us pray: My dear Lord Jesus, grant that I may hear the Gospel in all its truth and beauty, and through hearing, come to see you, and through seeing, believe. Amen.

Today’s author is Deacon Scott Watford, missionary pastoral coordinator at Glenmary’s Holy Family mission in Early County and St. Luke mission in Randolph County, Georgia.

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