Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 28, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today presents Herod’s concern about Jesus of whom he was hearing a great deal. Herod desired to know more about this Jesus. Who was he? What was he trying to do? Why was he doing what he was doing?

How does this pertain to us today?

We, too, hear a great deal about Jesus in our faith and in our gatherings. Do we demonstrate the same curiosity as Herod? Do we seek to come to know more about Jesus? Do we seek to come to know Jesus, as Herod did, by “trying to see him”?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Who do I say You are, Jesus? Are You prophet, messiah, my savior, Son of God? What have I done to move from knowing about You to knowing You? Have I sought out opportunities to “see” You?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, savior of humanity, You came into this world, sent by the Father in the Spirit to reconcile humanity with your heavenly Father, to atone for our sins through your own selfless sacrifice. Your loving obedience to the Father Almighty and your love of us fueled your life among us and strengthened You for your redeeming actions. Send your Spirit to rouse in us a desire to come to know You, to move beyond just knowing about You to knowing You, loving You, and serving You. Grant that we may have the courage to deny ourselves, to pick up our crosses and to follow You. Lead us home to life in abundance. Amen.