LUKE 9:7–9 CURIOUS, BUT NOT CHANGED

Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time – Year

Herod hears everything that is happening through Jesus and becomes puzzled. He hears different opinions about who Jesus might be, and finally says, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” Herod is curious about Jesus. He wants to know who He is. But curiosity alone does not change a person. It is possible to hear about Jesus, talk about Jesus, and even be interested in Jesus without allowing Jesus to change our lives.

We can fall into the same trap. We hear the Gospel every Sunday. We listen to homilies, say our prayers, and perhaps even have conversations about faith. But the important question is: What difference does it make in the way we live? If Jesus tells us to forgive, do we forgive? If He asks us to care for someone, do we care? If He calls us to let go of something that is hurting us, are we willing to let it go? Faith is not simply knowing about Jesus. It is allowing Him to become part of our decisions and our daily lives.

So today, perhaps we can ask ourselves: Am I simply interested in Jesus, or am I allowing Him to change me? We do not have to change everything at once. Sometimes discipleship begins with one small step—a forgiveness, a prayer, an apology, an act of kindness. May our encounter with Jesus never remain only something we hear about. May it become something we live.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler