In Herod’s Perplexity, rumors of Jesus as John, Elijah, or an ancient prophet fueled Herod’s fearful curiosity about the divine presence he could not destroy.
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.
Luke 9:7-9
Cowardly King
Herod beheaded John the Baptist but failed to murder the God he served, his ultimate enemy. The divine presence haunted him day and night, for immortal truth, which rules kings and subjects alike, cannot be destroyed.
As rumors circulated about Jesus, identifying him as John, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets, Herod’s mind churned in disturbance. Upon his throne, the tetrarch cowered, eyes curiously roving for a glimpse of the prophet.
Who is this prophet and healer, Yeshua?
John I beheaded, Herod feared. Elijah?
Traditional Chinese Translation
《希律的困惑》
這位先知和醫病者是誰？耶穌嗎？
約翰我已經斬首了。希律害怕了。 是以利亞嗎？
Dear GMC, your reflection teaches us how a moment of grace can present itself and the person is too self absorbed to accept it. Sounds like Herod? No, sounds like us, every time we text “SMH” [Shaking My Head] instead of doing something about “it,” every time we look around to see who’s going to be doing something about “it,” and every time we wish “it” would go away. It is Jesus! Our Lady of China, Open our hearts and minds to Your Son. Amen.
Divine Presence cannot be destroyed.
Grace under fire flows freely.
How often have we failed to pray?
Ignoring the power of God employed?
Here, there, everywhere God is
Sustaining every physis.
Greek: physis (foo’-sis) — nature