“And he kept trying to see him.” — LK 9:9

 

 From the Gospels, we have come to know how King Herod had both respect and fear for John the Baptist.  All in the territory knew John as a great prophet and servant of God. John, however, did not fear anything, especially in expressing sharp disapproval in Herod for his adulterous affair with his brother's wife. Herod, for his part, was more of a people pleaser than a pleaser of God. Herod not only imprisoned John to silence him, but he also beheaded him simply to please his family and friends.  This in turn gave Herod a false sense of security and acceptance in that all were pleased with him.

 

What Herod did find out to be true was that no matter how many beheadings or crucifixions are done, God's truth cannot be suppressed.  So, when reports of Jesus' miracles and teaching reach Herod's court, Herod became very troubled in conscience. He thought that John the Baptist had risen from the dead. Herod sought to meet Jesus more out of curiosity and fear than out of a sincere desire to know God's Will. What type of fear did Herod have?  Fear can have two meanings. One, is to have an uneasiness or anxiety of being afraid.  The other, when it relates specifically to God, is to have a specific sense of respect.  Are we like Herod in how we wish to meet Jesus?  Perhaps not to respectfully follow Him but rather to prevent Him from troubling our conscience any further and not be afraid.

 

We can try to rid ourselves of guilt and sin by suppressing the truth or by ridding ourselves of anyone or anything that points us to the truth. Social media and many influential people in our society, some even leaders, help us to do this.  We may get so confused by what we see and hear that one of the acronyms for FEAR, False Evidence Appearing Real would describe our belief.  No power on earth, however, can remove a guilty conscience or free us from slavery to sin.  Only God can set us free through the atoning sacrifice which His Son, Jesus, made for us on the cross.

 

Whose voice and message do we follow?  We can only find true happiness for ourselves through God.  It is only by focusing our sight clearly on The Way of Jesus that we will find peace, joy, and freedom to live as sons and daughters of God. Jesus explains to us, His disciples, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (JN 8:31-32). Only Faith in Jesus can set us free. Remember Faith is the opposite of Fear.

 

What is pleasing in our sight?  Does God's Word take priority in our daily life? Or do we allow other voices and messages to distract us or lead us astray. The Lord Jesus promises to be with us and to guide us continually if we will just focus on Him, listen to His voice, and obey His Word.

 

"Heavenly Father, form in me the likeness of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and deepen his life within me that I may be like him in word and deed. Increase my eagerness to do your will and help me to grow in the knowledge of your love and truth."

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with You and Yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St Clare of Assisi

Houston, TX