Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

A Troubled Conscience and the Call to Conversion

In today’s Gospel from Luke 9:7-9, we hear of Herod’s growing curiosity and anxiety about Jesus. The Gospel tells us that Herod heard about all that was happening and was greatly perplexed. He wondered if Jesus might be John the Baptist risen from the dead, or perhaps Elijah or another ancient prophet. Though he had ordered John’s execution, Herod now finds himself haunted by what he did and confused by who Jesus might be. The passage ends with a striking line: ‘And he kept trying to see him.’

What we witness here is a soul disturbed—but not yet converted. Herod’s desire to see Jesus is not born out of faith or love, but out of fear, guilt, and curiosity. He senses the stirring of something beyond his control, even beyond his understanding. And yet, he remains unchanged.

Commenting on this passage, St. Cyril of Alexandria says, ‘The fame of Christ inflamed Herod with vain curiosity but not with the desire to believe.’ Herod wanted an audience with the miraculous, but not a relationship with the Divine. His heart was stirred, but not opened in repentance. He was moved, but not willing to change.

This offers us an important reflection. How often does our own seeking of Jesus stop at curiosity? Do we look for signs and wonders, or do we seek the Savior with humility and contrition? Do we follow the Gospel out of routine, or are we truly hungry for the truth that transforms?

Herod wanted to see Jesus, but when he finally did during the passion narrative, he mocked Him and sent Him away. The chance for conversion turned into a moment of rejection. Let us not make the same mistake. Let our desire to see Jesus lead us to sincere discipleship, to repentance, and to a deeper communion with Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

May we learn from Herod’s example what not to do—and instead, open our hearts with faith, so that when we seek Christ, we may truly find Him.