SEEK JESUS

“[Herod] was very curious to see [Jesus].” –Luke 9:9

Many try to see famous people, such as athletes, celebrities, stars, entertainers, etc. Often this is thrill-seeking, or autograph hounding, or simply to gain bragging rights. Herod likewise kept trying to see Jesus (Lk 9:9), and was very curious to see Him. Curiosity can be helpful, but in Herod’s case, he apparently was not concerned with seeking the Lord and the truth. Herod finally did see Jesus, but the encounter did not benefit Herod (Lk 23:8ff). In fact, Herod changed for the worse, for after meeting Jesus, he became an ally and friend to Pilate, who ruled against Jesus (Lk 23:12).

“Consider your ways” (Hg 1:5). Are you seeking Jesus for His own sake in humility and truth? Or are you seeking Him for what you can get from Him? This latter approach is not necessarily bad, for Jesus does invite us to come to Him to seek our needs (see Mt 11:28ff). However, let us choose the better portion (see Lk 10:42). Let us “turn now ten times the more to seek” Jesus (Bar 4:28). Turn to Him at Mass in humility and truth, for in the environment of Holy Mass you can see Jesus present in the Holy Eucharist. Let this sight of Jesus change your heart and your life.

PRAYER: Father, I need a life-changing encounter with Your Son, Jesus. Dispose my heart to seek Him constantly.
PROMISE: “The Lord loves His people, and He adorns the lowly with victory.” –Ps 149:4
PRAISE: St. Pio, a holy Capuchin priest, bore the stigmata of Christ’s crucified wounds in his hands for fifty years (see Gal 6:17).