Vamshi Eedara csc –
Readings: Eccl 1: 2-11; Lk 9: 7-9
In today’s gospel reading we see Herod the tetrarch guilt- laden, confused, threatened about his power, and totally disturbed to hear of Jesus’ activities. Herod does not know how to place himself before Jesus. He had killed a righteous person, John the Baptist, who stood for truth and now he wants to see Jesus closer not that he wants to follow him, but he was afraid of losing his power and position. He wants to remain in power and anyone who disrupts or challenges that will have to be removed.
However, Jesus’ mission is not one of holding on to this world and its powers, but to proclaim the good news of salvation and establish God’s kingdom here on earth. The ordeal faced by Herod makes him fail to consider the promptings of his conscience and recognize the true identity of Jesus.
Let us ask ourselves who is Jesus for us? Sometimes Jesus challenges each one of us through his word when we walk in wrong direction. He directs us through his word to turn from our mistakes and recognize Jesus our savior who came to save us from our sins and lead us to the righteous path leading all of us to God. May we open our eyes to see Jesus in others whom we serve.