A Daily Gospel Reflection by Dn. Gregg Sasis for September 25th, 2025

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 9:7-9

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.

The Gospel of the Lord

Reflection:  Seek Jesus, He is the Son of God

Prior to today’s Gospel readings.  Jesus was teaching in the synagogues and also taught to a multitude of people on the plain. He also performed some of his greatest miracles.

Jesus cast out many demons, he healed a leper, as well as a paralytic. He also healed a slave because of a Centurion’s great faith. Jesus also brought back to life the only son of a widow, a woman was healed from years of hemorrhaging by merely touching Jesus’ tassel, and the daughter of Jairus the synagogue ruler was brought back to life.  Many people listened and followed Jesus. They were being blessed and healed by Jesus.

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear of how Herod the Tetrarch was greatly perplexed because some were saying that “John has been raised from the dead”. Perplexed means to be bewildered, confused or puzzled. 

Herod was greatly perplexed as he had John, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth killed, and he wanted to know who Jesus was.  This is the same Herod who had thousands of young boys killed in Bethlehem, shortly after receiving news from the Magi, that the new king of Israel was born.

Herod had great fear of losing his place as ruler of the nation.  He was only thinking of himself, of retaining his place, of his power being taken away. He wanted to know who was doing all the miracles.

We also hear that Herod kept trying to see him.  Herod’s conscience must have been bothering him, because of how he was forced to have John beheaded, as he liked to listen to John.  We could say that there was a glimmer of hope for Herod as he kept trying to seek Jesus.  Little did he know that Jesus is the son of God.

Our encouragement for today is to continue to seek and know Jesus.  Through all challenges and joys in life, Jesus journeys with us.  He speaks to us in the silence of our prayers, when we read scripture, and He dwells in all baptized Christians. Jesus prompts us daily towards holiness and goodness throughout our days, and through our conscience he encourages how to love our neighbors.

Jesus created all things. He is present within all creation, including the persons who are difficult to love like King Herod.  May we show our gratitude to Jesus by thanking him for all our blessings, acknowledge his presence, and seek and know Him daily through all things.

Action for the Day:

– In all humility, acknowledge Jesus’ presence among us throughout the day.

-Express our gratitude to Him for creating us.

-Seek and know Him through scripture, his presence within all things, and may we pray daily that we recognize his presence with all people.

DEACON5 website link: https://deacon5.com/

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