SAINT PIUS OF PIETRELCINA (PADRE PIO), PRIEST (MEMORIAL)

He was greatly perplexed. 

Jesus had opened blind eyes, unstopped deaf ears, and mended lame legs. By doing all of this, he had fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah (35:4-6). Herod, a Jew, would probably have known that prophecy. But Herod’s thoughts were tangled up in guilt, fear, and self-interest. He had ordered the beheading of John the Baptist, he was living with his brother’s wife, and he would do just about anything to satisfy his self-interest. And that tangle of thoughts prevented him from recognizing the truth of who Jesus was.

It’s natural to criticize Herod’s actions because we know that he would eventually reject Jesus and send him to his death. But here we see Herod in the middle—the perplexing middle—of his story. We see him still intrigued by Jesus and his message.

We all experience some degree of perplexity about the Lord. Perhaps guilt or shame causes you to doubt that he would welcome you. Maybe you’re disappointed that a loved one for whom you had prayed earnestly has slipped away into eternity. Or perhaps you’re worried about your spouse or a child who has turned away from the faith. Thought and emotion become tangled, and perplexity gains the upper hand.

You don’t have to stay like this! You can always turn to the Lord and let the truth of God’s presence and love speak to the perplexity within you. Let God remind you that his love is greater than all uncertainty, that the freedom flowing from repentance is worth any awkwardness, and that Jesus is both able and willing to strengthen anyone. Even you. Then focus your thoughts on the truth that you know: Jesus will never abandon you, your loved ones, or anyone, for that matter.

Herod let perplexity keep him from seeing the truth. You have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, to guide you to all truth and to help you choose it (John 16:13). He will lead you in the way forward. He will help you find peace, even in the midst of perplexity.

“Holy Spirit, help me to choose truth today, and lead me in your peace.”

Haggai 1:1-8
Psalm 149:1-6, 9
Luke 9:7-9

WORD AMONG US