Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
King Herod’s question in our gospel narrative from St. Luke gives us pause for reflection: “‘Who then is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he kept trying to see him” (Lk 9:9). It is a question we must continually ask ourselves: Who is this Jesus? Of what importance is He in my life? It is an essential question that each of us must eventually face.
The Book of Ecclesiastes powerfully describes the fleeting world in which we live: “All things are vanity” (Eccl 1:2). We all search for meaning, looking for something stable we can cling to for security. Herod sought that security in his earthly status. While he was curious about Jesus’ identity, his real motivation was fear—the realization that his kingship might be temporary. He feared losing his position to someone who was becoming popular among the people and who seemed to be offering them something of lasting value.
If we want to know who Jesus truly is, then we must look closely at the last part of the scripture passage: “And he kept trying to see him.” Unlike Herod, whose search was driven by a desire to protect his own political power, we will only find out who Jesus is by genuinely searching for Him to model our lives on His, rather than on our own selfish interests.
So, how do we actually learn who He is? If we want to befriend someone, we have to spend time with them and engage in serious, regular conversation. We find Jesus when we detach from the passing things of this world—seeking Him instead through daily meditation on scripture, a faithful rhythm of prayer, and by allowing ourselves to be conformed to His image.
“Jesus, in every age, you are my refuge” (cf. Ps 90:1).
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections