The Holy Prophet Joel; the Holy Martyr Varus (307); Our Venerable Father John of Rila (946).
Colossians 1:24-29; Luke 9:7-11.
Read Luke 9:7-11
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
We read about two contrasting reactions to people hearing about the mighty works performed by Our Lord.
The first person we encounter is Herod the Tetrarch. The Gospel says that upon hearing what Jesus was doing, “He was perplexed.” Interestingly, the reason for Herod’s perplexity is presented to us in a way that parallels the way Jesus questions His disciples about His identity: He was perplexed because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen. (9:7)…[Jesus] asked them, “Who do the people say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen.” (9:18-19)
Herod’s perplexity leads the evangelist to declare that because of this Herod sought to see Him.
But Herod is not the only one in today’s Gospel who seeks to see Jesus. Jesus goes with his disciples to a deserted place belonging to the city of Bethsaida, “But when the multitudes knew it, the followed Him” (9:11). Upon hearing of the things that Jesus had done, and hearing that He was nearby – the multitudes sought Him out.
Herein lies the difference between Herod and the multitudes who sought Jesus. The scriptures tell us that Herod’s primary motivations were fear and curiosity. He feared because he had murdered John the Baptist out of guilt and shame, and wanted to make sure John was not risen from the dead to confront him; but he also wanted to satisfy his curious about Jesus, “for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.” (Luke 23:8)
In contrast multitudes sought healing. They recognized their own fundamental need for Jesus and brought their infirmities openly to Him.
As we reflect on today’s Gospel, let us try to understand our own motivation – why do we seek the Lord? Are we looking for information or signs that will satiate our curiosity? Are we looking for validation of our own opinions and way of thinking? Or are we truly looking for the personal healing that Christ offers regardless of the cost?
A final thought. The scriptures tell us that Christ was found by the multitudes in a deserted place. In order to understand our motivation, and to approach Christ with the right intention we must get accustomed to spending time alone in silence. Silence is the prerequisite for inner stillness, and only inner stillness enables us truly to listen to God, to hear His voice, and to commune with Him in the depths of our being.
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