St. Vincent de Paul

"Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" Lk 9:9

Curiosity comes in many forms. Sometimes we are curious about a new neighbor, a new candidate for local office, a new priest in the parish, a new boyfriend for a daughter, and in each case, our curiosity is very different. At times we want to know everything about others for all the wrong reasons. We are defensive about their backgrounds, cultures, race or sexual orientation, none of which should matter much in God's eyes, but at other times we want to know them for themselves in order to build a relationship with them that can be mutually beneficial.

Herod is curious about Jesus and we wonder why. Did he want to see him in order to build a relationship with him? Was he hopeful about entering his faith more deeply? Did he feel threatened by Jesus popularity?

Power, as we know, is something that comes and goes in most people's lives. It is not difficult to imagine that Herod was anxious not to have anyone disturb his peace or his plans, but perhaps we judge Herod too quickly. Jesus never dismisses people out of hand and makes choices in the gospel that always surprise us. He chooses fishermen and tax collectors to be apostles and evangelists because he sees and reads hearts not just appearances. He can do the same for us if we let him work in us.

Today, take a second look at someone you have dismissed.

Have you ever been surprised by someone you were tempted to dismiss?