Thursday – 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Luke 9:7-9

For All the Wrong Reasons

At Prayer, Church of Holy Sepulchre

 

Today’s Gospel, besides being very short, seems almost hopeful.  Herod (yes, the one who beheaded John the Baptist) has heard stories about Jesus.  And he begins to wonder!  Is this John reborn?  A Prophet?  Elijah?  He is perplexed and concerned!  And he tries to meet this wandering preacher.

You have to wonder if his attempts to meet Jesus are for all the wrong reasons.  Just as much as he was upset and jealous of John, he seems to harbor the same worries about Jesus.  He doesn’t want to know more about Him or even accept Him as the Messiah.  What he wants is to make sure He is not a threat to Herod’s power or status.  Selfish and jealous, he is only concerned for himself and his throne.  His desire to meet Him is only to size up his opponent, not to deepen his faith.

And that is the challenge for us today.  When do we go looking for God?  Is it only in times of distress or worry?  Do we run to Him only when life is treating us badly?  When we need to be bailed out of a sticky situation?  What about the good times?  What about the times when we should be thankful and grateful?  What about all those times when life is normal?

God wants a relationship with us, not just in difficult times but always!  We seek out our friends and family all the time, good and bad.  What about God?  If we run to Him for help in times of distress, why not walk with Him in good times, in love and gratitude?  Why not talk to Him in daily prayer and reflection and build that relationship that He offers and that we so dearly need

 

Creator, teach me to pray, to talk with You and confide in You as I journey through this day and the days ahead.

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