Twenty-Fifth Thursday of Ordinary Time

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.”

Herod is perplexed by Jesus because he has deafened himself to the truth. He no longer hears it and so he is confused. Temptation distracts him, sin consumes him, and so he cannot find his bearings. We must work constantly to listen to the truth, keep our steps upon the narrow path, and live our lives according to God’s Will. Our lives should proclaim the truth through our every thought, word, and work. So instead of being perplexed, perhaps it is better for us to simply trust in God and believe His Gospel in spite of our doubts.

Are we willing to listen to the Lord? Do our lives proclaim the gospel? Do we believe in God and His message in spite of our doubts?

O Lord, we believe help our unbelief.

Amen.