WE WANT TO SEE JESUS
At
the time of Jesus’ birth, King Herod was afraid. Upon the arrival of
the Wise Men, he learned that a new king had been born and this
threatened his security as king. For a long time, he held this anxiety
and the fruit manifested through the killing of the innocent children in
Bethlehem around the time of Jesus’ birth. This anxiety and insecurity
was found in his son, Herod the tetrarch, whom we hear about in the
Gospel.
Insecurity, if not dealt with, can be a dangerous thing. It can breed
resentment, bitterness, jealousy, competition and so many other
manifestations. Herod was anxious to see Jesus. But this anxiety was
born of insecurity. At the trial of Jesus, Herod finally had his way
when Pilate sent Jesus to him for questioning. Herod and Pilate became
friends that day. Both men experienced high levels of insecurity. The
reports about Jesus frightened both men. Jesus was seen as a powerful
man and possibly a threat to Herod’s kingdom, according to his
officials.
Our identity is found in Jesus. We are loved by the Father and we are
brothers and sisters in Christ. The more we experience the love and
concern of the Lord Jesus, the less our insecurities will be. Insecurity
is bound to manifest itself in a variety of ways if we seek approval
and attention from others. Of course there is a need to be respected and
loved by all, but this is impossible because we cannot please everyone.
But we can please God and that should be our goal — to live a life
worthy of the Lord.
I hope we can be anxious to see the Lord in a positive way. Herod’s anxiety was negative, born of insecurity. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you aware of your insecurities? How do they manifest in your life?
Fill us with Your love, Lord, and let Your favor be upon us.
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