Read Online
The “Good” Life
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was
greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised
from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still
others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said,
“John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
And he kept trying to see him. Luke 9:7–9
Something peculiar happens when those who refuse to live according
to God’s will witness His presence in the lives of others—they
become unsettled, even confused. Herod was one of these souls.
Though Jewish by name, he lived a life of self-indulgence, pride,
and moral compromise. Upon hearing of Jesus and His mighty works,
Herod’s fascination was mingled with inner disturbance. His
conscience was especially agitated by guilt over his execution of
John the Baptist.
Herod’s perplexity did not arise from a sincere openness to faith,
but from fear, guilt, and superstition. Sin had so darkened his
heart that he could not perceive the grace of God manifest in
Christ. The Gospel tells us that despite Herod’s interior turmoil,
“he kept trying to see Him.” This desire reveals a divided soul—one
curious about the truth, yet unwilling to embrace it.
Herod offers us not an example of virtue, but a warning. Those who
resist the will of God may still catch glimpses of Him through the
holiness of others. But without repentance, such encounters bring
neither peace nor clarity. In Herod’s case, his fascination
resulted first in torment, then in silence. When Jesus finally
stood before Herod during the Passion, our Lord did not utter a
word. That silence was a judgment upon his hardened heart.
Looking at Herod’s life, many might have envied him. He was rich,
powerful, dined in luxury, lived in magnificent palaces, and
enjoyed the protection of Rome. Though such monarchs are rare
today, the allure of worldly wealth and fame remains strong. The
modern equivalents—the celebrities, influencers, and elite—draw
millions of admirers. Social media exalts their lifestyles, while
the world glorifies indulgence, comfort, and social prestige.
But to what end? Is it to enjoy life in the moment, seizing every
earthly pleasure? What happens when this life ends and we stand
before the Judgment Seat of God? At that hour, every fleeting
comfort will vanish, and we will be left with the state of our
soul. Herod’s worldly success was ultimately empty. He lacked peace
in this life, and, without conversion, his eternal fate was sealed
in that same unrest.
Herod’s life is depicted in the Gospels for a reason. From his
example, we must lift the veil of worldly and sensory indulgence
and see them for what they are—not only in light of their eternal
consequences, but also the interior ruin they cause even now. Such
a life has no power to save, no ability to satisfy beyond the
moment, and always leaves the soul perplexed and curious—a
curiosity that ends in confusion.
Those whose hearts are fixed on such indulgence will always hunger
for more and never be satisfied. The best way to avoid the lure of
sinful indulgence is to immerse ourselves in the purifying truths
of the Gospel. Truth both purifies and liberates. It frees the soul
to become the temple of God it was created to be—radiant with
holiness, living in joyful union with Him and in spiritual
communion with others. Nothing could be greater in this life, and
nothing else will satisfy in the next.
Reflect today on any lingering confusion, fear, or disordered
curiosity you may carry when encountering Christ in your life. Do
you approach Him like Herod—curious but uncommitted—or with a heart
that is ready to be purified and transformed? Let the example of
Herod lead you away from perplexity and into conversion. Truth
Himself stands before you. Do not remain merely curious. Surrender
in faith, and the riches of God’s Kingdom will be yours.
Lord of true riches, the power, wealth, and fleshly indulgences
of this world are seductive. Please lift the veil from my eyes, so
that I may see clearly the emptiness behind their promises. Free me
from every deception, and draw my heart to desire only You. May
Your Kingdom be my constant aim where freedom is found and the
riches of grace and eternal happiness await. Jesus, I trust in
You.
Image via Adobe Stock
Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com —
Copyright 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This
content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use.
Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use
within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without
written permission.
Kommentare (0)
Melde dich an, um einen Kommentar zu schreiben.