Today's Gospel in Art - Herod was puzzled

Head of Herod composed of the bodies of the Innocents, anonymous artist, late 16th century, © Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum, Innsbruck

Gospel of 26th September 2019 - Luke 9: 7-9

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.

Reflection on the Painting

Today's Gospel reading shows how confused Herod got with all the events. He is intrigued with the figure of Jesus and wonders if He is the same person as St John the Baptist etc… This short passage reading does make one very important point though: to just 'know about' a person or having 'heard about' a person, is very very different to 'actually' knowing that person. Herod heard about Jesus and judged Him, without actually ever knowing Jesus and who He was. Through prayer we can actually know Jesus. Through prayer we move from having heard about Him, to Him becoming an acquaintance and then a very close friend.

During Herod's time, lots of stories about Jesus were circulating... To read on see: www.christianart.today/daily-gospel-reading/185