First reading Haggai 1:1-8
‘Rebuild the House’
In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, high commissioner of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as follows, ‘The Lord of Hosts says this, “This people says: The time has not yet come to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. (And the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai, as follows:) Is this a time for you to live in your panelled houses, when this House lies in ruins? So now, the Lord of Hosts says this: Reflect carefully how things have gone for you. You have sown much and harvested little; you eat but never have enough, drink but never have your fill, put on clothes but do not feel warm. The wage earner gets his wages only to put them in a purse riddled with holes. So go to the hill country, fetch wood, and rebuild the House: I shall then take pleasure in it, and be glorified there, says the Lord.”’
Responsorial Psalm 149:1-6,9
The Lord takes delight in his people.
or
Alleluia!
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips:
this honour is for all his faithful.
Gospel Luke 9:7-9
‘John? I beheaded him; so who is this?’
Herod the tetrarch had heard about all that was being done by Jesus; and he was puzzled, because some people were saying that John had risen from the dead, others that Elijah had reappeared, still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. But Herod said, ‘John? I beheaded him. So who is this I hear such reports about?’ And he was anxious to see Jesus.
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Who are you?
In today’s gospel, Herod’s question, “Who is this I hear such reports about?” is one of humanity’s most significant questions. However, instead of seeking an answer, he was haunted by his past wrongs against John the Baptist and feared John’s return. Herod’s interest in Jesus came from a desire to ease his guilty conscience rather than to know Him personally.
Today, let us ask Jesus, “Who are you?” With eyes of faith, we look at Jesus with love and allow Him to reveal who He truly is. With ears of faith, we listen for Jesus’ voice as He calls us by our names, and we trustingly follow Him. With hearts of faith, we long to let go of our selfcentred pride to enter into a lasting relationship with Him and be united with the One we love. Although Herod asked the right question, he lacked the courage to confront Christ. Let us take this opportunity to encounter Jesus and seek a deeper experiential knowledge of His faithful love.
Reflective question:
Who is Jesus for me at this point in my life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
