King Herod heard about Jesus. This could have been the opportunity for Herod to believe in Jesus (see Rm 10:17) and be saved from self-destruction. Yet Herod jumped to the wrong conclusion that Jesus was actually St. John the Baptizer raised from the dead (Mk 6:16). Possibly Herod was prone to believe this falsehood because he carried guilt from murdering John to save face and look good before the guests at his birthday party (Mk 6:26). Herod murdered John because he was proud, and this led him astray in other ways.

Herod had an exceptional opportunity to meet and love Jesus shortly before His crucifixion and death. However, Herod was still on his ego-trip. He tried to use Jesus as a pawn in his own proud posturings (Lk 23:8, 11). Jesus would have no part in it and refused to speak to Herod (Lk 23:9). Herod was face to face with Jesus moments before His crucifixion and death, but there was no communication because of Herod's pride.

Jesus became a man, died on the cross, and rose from the dead to have a deep, personal relationship with you forever. Will you accept, love, and worship Jesus on His terms, or will you be damned forever in pride?

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 8, 2019

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