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Gospel: Luke 9: 7-9
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.
The Gospel of the Lord.
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The story does not end well for King Herod.
He’s already made a series of horrible choices, including the beheading of John the Baptist, a decision he made while he was drunk.
But we’ve captured Herod at an interesting point in his journey; he’s “perplexed” – haunted – by John.
As the Gospel tells us, Herod, “kept trying to see him.” Meaning, he was still interested in what John the Baptist had to say.
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That, to me, represents where so many in our world are at.
Thankfully, few are as deranged as Herod. But many are “perplexed” by the Gospel message; they’re interested, but undecided.
Faith can seem risky; difficult; even life-changing. Just consider the ramifications faith would’ve had in Herod’s life. For starters, he would have to stop living with his brother’s wife!
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Sometimes people need a John the Baptist; they need the support of a Christian witness before they can come to believe.
Someone who will listen to their questions, to provide some answers, and above all, to lead them by example.
While the story didn’t end well for Herod, it may for others.
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So, in what ways might we lead others to faith?
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But, remember the old saying, “Preach always. Only when necessary, use words.”
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Image credits: (1) Adobe Stock (2) The Catholic Weekly (3) Jack Hayford Ministries