Driven by faith

Sept. 22, 2016

Title: Driven by faith

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.

 Reflection:

“Herod was greatly perplexed and he kept trying to see him.”

The meaning of greatly perplexed is unable to understand something deeply. When I read the gospel for today it sparkled some interest in me to research more about what happened in the past so I can further understand what it is trying to tell me. I then found out that Herod the tetrarch in our story was the son of Herod the great, the one who initiated Massacre of the Innocents when Jesus was born. So who is this Herod the tetrarch and why is it that he felt greatly perplexed as described?

I googled and read more about him and the history of this big “Herod” family. Well do we remember the time during Herod’s birthday when Salome danced and entertained his guests? In return, he offered her any request to be fulfilled as long as she asks of it. Salome followed her mother’s (Herodias) request and Herod fulfilled it which resulted in beheading John the Baptist and placing the head on the platter. I believe during that time, Herod felt powerless since he cannot take back what he has said but after hearing the current news of John being raised from the dead, he wondered even more and decided to see him if it was true.

In our life there are situations that make us feel greatly perplexed in which we have no control and sometimes we question God why it is happening to us. There are everyday circumstances wherein it is difficult for us to understand or accept some happenings because it exceeds our capacity unlike God who created everything. When we feel that we are in a perplexed situation, let us remember that we cannot change it but we can change our perception towards it. We can change how we think and act according to the will of God. We should always have faith and constant prayer in believing that God always know what is best for us, he will provide what we need even if we don’t ask it and everything is possible for Him.

John the Baptist lived his life fulfilling the mission that God created him to do while King Herod was powerless and doubtful of his beliefs. As members of this community and as Roman Catholics, it is never easy to choose the better part in everything but we walk by faith and not by sight. We may not understand but God willingly allows it to happen because of a greater purpose behind it. By his grace, he will reveal that purpose to us through the Holy Spirit as we continue journeying with him. We are anointed and called by God through our names and each of us has a mission to fulfill while we are here. We are not an accident and God has planned all of this before we are born. Let’s be reminded that everything here on earth is temporary but our God and His love is permanent. Let’s walk and be driven by our faith for God will lead to us to where he has destined us to be. Take courage and find that purpose you we can live a life pleasing to God and in turn bring back the glory that He alone deserves.

And for all of this, may God be praised.