Trying to See Jesus

Scripture: Luke 9:7-9

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.

Reaction: Lately I’ve been selecting the scriptures for my meditations based on the Catholic lectionary, which lists the readings and the responsorial psalm assigned for each Mass of the year. The passage above is the assigned gospel for the Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. At first this reading did not strike me as very meaningful, and I was tempted to choose another. But as I lay back to contemplate on it, the Lord did speak to me.

At first I was simply reminded of all the different ways I seek to see Christ: through His word, in nature, through other people, and even in myself. My hope is that by coming to see and know Christ, I will be able to live a life that is pleasing to Him, one that fills me with joy and fulfillment. Again I felt that the Lord was close to me, acknowledging my desire to know Him better, and filling me with peace.

Later in my meditation I realized that Herod was not seeking to see Jesus so that he might know Him, worship Him, and please Him. Herod’s motives stemmed only from his own self-interest. This is a common theme for me, too: I am often concerned about my own selfish motives as I move to a more spiritual existence. But I realize that I this is one of my human failings, and God is well-aware of it. Still, He loves me and accepts me, and encourages me to continue to seek Him with a sincere heart. Even when my heart is not as pure as I would want it to be, it is never a bad thing to try to see the Lord. May His presence and His grace purify my heart as I continue on my journey.