Herod wanted badly to meet Jesus.

"King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” (Mark 6: 14.... 29).

Friday 4th February 2022,  4th Week in Ordinary Time is First Friday in February 2022.

"Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him."
Luke in his account of the martrydom of St John the Baptist informed us that Herod  "kept trying to see him. [Jesus]"

Why was Herod anxious to see Jesus? Herod had reasons to believe that John the Baptist whom he beheaded was a mysterious and great prophet. After the beheading of John the Baptist, Jesus launched His ministry in earnest and there was great excitement everywhere and people were talking. The chatter about Jesus reached the palace and Herod could not resist his curiosity to meet Jesus.

You who are reading this Blog Now has met Jesus. You meet Him one-to-one in prayer. You meet Him when you read His word. You meet Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. You meet Him in a substantial real way in the Most Holy Eucharist. Whenever you remember Him, Jesus is present to you.

If one of the Herods of our world were to ask you today: "Who is this Jesus?" Can you satisfy his curiosity to such a degree that you lead him to faith in Jesus?

It is St Jerome, Doctor of the Church and one of the greatest Scripture scholars who said: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Jesus Christ." Jerome said this over 1500 years ago. The Church has affirmed from its experience down the ages the truth of this maxim. Will you ignore it?

In the first Reading from Ecclesiasticus, we read of the eulogy of King David. In the Gospel, we read of the great witness of life of St John the Baptist. Who will be the King David and John the Baptist of our time?

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com