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." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.

Jesus is a perplexing figure to the world. He contradicts it opinions with the Truth. He challenges its selfishness with a call to the Way of Love. He disturbs the self-satisfied by showing them a more fulfilling Life. He came into the world to transform us, to raise us up, and to redeem us. However, we cannot do that if we are merely curious about it, but not sincere in our desires to amend our lives and live according to God's Will. Many of Jesus' enemies were curious about him, but it is not enough to be inquisitive. We have to be willing to listen to Jesus' answers, internalize them, and then live them out with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths.

Are we perplexed by the teachings of Christ? If so, then how can we come to trust in them and live lives grounded in Eternal Truth and Love? Are we merely curious about Christ or are we open to transforming our lives and bring our entire being into alignment with his Way?

O Lord, open us to your teachings so that we can become prophets of your Good News.

Amen.