FAITH IS INDEED PERPLEXING
Herod is a fascinating character in the Scriptures. When the time comes for judging whether Jesus will live or die in the years to come, Herod shows himself to be a character similar to the vacillating Macbeth. He lacks the strength of character to embrace unpopularity in doing what he knows is right. In today’s Gospel reading, we get a hint of this weakness. It would be easy enough for him to “see” Jesus, yet he still tries to achieve this. Perhaps he is not really interested in “seeing Jesus.” He knows that to listen to Him will challenge him to change aspects of his life that he is not yet ready to do.
We can have the same hesitation in our own faith journeys. Ultimately, we will need to answer whether or not we are willing to forsake everything to follow Jesus. It is ultimately a question of naming what is most important to us. The answer may seem obvious in theory, but the practice is always a little more difficult. However, it is possible, particularly when we realize that there is always enough grace to achieve whatever God asks us to do.
Faith is also meant to be rewarding and fun; the challenges we meet are not there to discourage and defeat us. We should always look for the new insights into God’s love and will for us behind our struggles. If we can keep a positive attitude in the midst of struggles and challenge, we will not only grow deeper in our faith, but we will also get to see better and more deeply into the heart and mind of God. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------
How much do you really want to know God and the fullness of His love and will for you? Are you willing to pay the price necessary to do this?
Holy Spirit, inspire me to go deeper—to know more and to experience all the good things God has for me. Amen.
Today, I pray for: __________________________
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