"And he kept trying to see him…"

In the Gospel today, Herod expressed his willingness to know more about Jesus because of what he has heard about Him. He was curious about Jesus because some say that He was John the Baptist, who has been raised from the dead, or that He was Elijah, while others considered Him as one of the prophets.

To me, to know Jesus is to have a deep relationship with Him. How can we deepen our relationship with Him? Through solitude and by helping our brothers and sisters who are in need.

While we were in lockdown in the seminary, we spent time in solitude. This gave us the opportunity to reflect and ponder more on the graces and fruits of what is happening each day. We used the time to listen more to God's voice amidst the suffering that we were experiencing. We can also know God and deepen our relationship with Him through our service to our brothers and sisters. We remember in our prayers today those who tirelessly serve those who are suffering from COVID-19. We remember the frontliners who are willing to serve those who are in need amidst the threat of getting infected.

Padre Pio, the saint we commemorate today, is a testament to this. He experienced many sufferings in his life, but these did not hinder him from knowing and loving God more. As St. John Paul II said in his homily during the canonization of Padre Pio, "The life and mission of Padre Pio testify that difficulties and sorrows, if accepted with love, transform themselves into a privileged journey to holiness, which opens the person toward a greater good, known only to the Lord."

We ask St. Padre Pio to intercede for us, that amidst the sufferings, anxiety, and difficulties we are experiencing because of the pandemic and other things that are happening in the world today, we may have the willingness to accept them and lead us to know Jesus more.

By: Sem. Renz Marion C. Cunanan

Today's Gospel

Lk 9:7-9

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.