Thursday, September 22, 2016

Herod Sought To See Jesus

BEADS OF JOY 09-22-16
“Herod Sought To See Jesus”
©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,



Today’s Gospel: Luke 9:7-9 (Herod Sought To See Jesus)
“Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done, 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 old prophets had risen. Herod said, "John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?" And he sought to see him.”

Reflection:
There has been many portrayals and scriptural translations teaching us how much King Herod respected and feared John the Baptist. He considered John a great prophet and servant of God. Yet John had no fear or respect for Herod. That’s why when Jesus came along this troubled him or as scripture says this “perplexed” Herod. At first he thought Jesus was John raised from the dead; so he sought Him out and had to see for himself. See Herod was, by his own choices riddled with guilt and sin. He could not find peace knowing someone “like” John who he knew he had killed, was out there without seeing him for himself. Sin and Guilt. Two horrible powers we can become slaves of…

There is only true way to peace and that is through Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can set us free from any chains of sin and/or guilt. Jesus promises to lead us to real freedom and eternal peace if we listen to His voice and obey His Word. This world can be very deceitful and misleading, a vacuum of words and promises that will trap you and pull you in. So many of us get so caught up in promises and glamour and glory in the eyes of the world; that we forget that once we are here no more all of this doesn’t matter anymore. In the span of our short time here on earth 60-70-80, maybe 90 years, ok some, few make 100 years, we are gone from this place. Then the place we are going to, we will be in for all eternity. Hmm… Now let that sink in for a while. How long is eternity? I can’t answer that; the number will take all eternity for me to say… Yep!

But today’s Gospel has another reflection of thought. King Herod admired John the Baptist. Who do you admire? Who do you want to be like? Whose life is the example of the life you are trying to emulate? Is it someone with authority? Someone in the News? Some from Hollywood? Someone is History? Someone Wealthy? Be careful, obviously it’s your choice. But keep in mind, the people we surround ourselves by and those we admire will inevitably be who we turn out to be. Obviously just because we admire famous people does not mean we become famous. But what it does do, is waste our life away, while we could be spending it focusing on what really matters. Did you just ask, What? Hmmm… You really want my opinion and reflection? Well I guess that’s why you are here. Ok, get out your pen… Focus on Jesus and see how His life is working through your life. Spend time in prayer every single day. Really stay focused on preparing for eternity while you live a life pleasing to our Lord. Go to Mass, adoration and confession (frequently)! Lead others to Jesus by example. Do not be selfish. Help others every chance you can. Live a simple, very fulfilling life that has Jesus, our Lady and the Rosary in it 24/7/365… Well that’s my life. See you all tomorrow.


LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

Your brother in Christ Jesus 
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Thursday: We pray the Luminous Mysteries:

The Luminous Mysteries

1. The Baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:13-17)
2. Wedding Feast of Cana (John 2:1-12)
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15)
4. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13)
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matt 26:17-30)
Glory and Honor and Praise -Lord Jesus Christ!!
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