Daily Gospel Reflection
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September 24, 2020
Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and 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 ancient prophets had arisen.
Herod said, “John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he tried to see him.
This phrasing of this gospel passage seemed a bit familiar to me for some reason. As it turns out, later in this same chapter in Luke the disciples say almost the same things about Jesus during the famous, “Who do you say that I am?” passage. When Jesus asks them: “‘who do the crowds say that am?’ They said in reply, ‘John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen’” (Lk 9:19) It seems that Herod had been hearing the same things from “the crowds” about Jesus of Nazareth.
Herod is not a sympathetic figure in the Gospels, so what can we learn from his questioning here? First, we don’t have to be saints already to start searching for Jesus. Herod put to death the person who announced Jesus as the Messiah most fervently, John the Baptist, yet he is still seeking him. The gospel passage today says, “and he tried to see him.” Perhaps Herod was seeking Jesus not out of faith but out of curiosity, fear, or political self-preservation. In any event, he was trying to see him.
Second, we don’t have to be one hundred percent sure about who Jesus is or what our relationship to him will be like before we set out looking for him. Herod is certainly confused about Jesus’ identity at this point, yet he is undeterred.
Herod is almost certainly more concerned with his own power and status than an actual encounter with Jesus, the Christ. Yet, even his malignant curiosity can be a lesson to us. If we too, “try to see him,” Jesus will meet us with the gift of faith that is necessary to truly encounter him.
Prayer
Almighty God, you are the source of our love and our faith. May your gifts help us strive to see your Son and follow him with courage. May our lives reflect the faith of the great women and men who have gone before us proclaiming the good news. May your strength be with us, that we may stand against whatever storms and terrors may come. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Pacifico did not let a painful illness that robbed him of his speech and sight impair his pursuit of holiness.
He was born in 1653 in San Severino, Italy. When he was 5 years old, both of his parents died, and he was raised by an uncle, who was abusive and used the boy as a servant.
When he was 17 Pacifico joined the Franciscan order, and was ordained a priest at the age of 25. He spent two years teaching philosophy to his brothers in community, but it became clear that he had a talent for skillful preaching. He was sent throughout the region preaching and hearing confessions. His mission work was well received, and he had a gift for helping people confess their sins.
When he was in his mid-30s, he was struck blind and mute, and he developed sores that incapacitated his legs. He spent the rest of his time in the monastery, praying and doing what he could to help in the administration of his community.
Even though he suffered greatly from his debilitating illnesses, he continued to apply discipline to his body to sharpen his will; his superiors had to order him to limit his fasting because he would do his health further damage. During Mass, he was often caught up in ecstatic prayer, and would spend several hours in contemplation.
He was given the gifts of prophecy and healing, and after he died in 1721, miracles were reported at his tomb. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.
St. Pacifico of San Severino, you would not let debilitating illness stand in the way of pursuing holiness—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Pacifico of San Severino is in the public domain. Last accessed April 2, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.
