9/24/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 9:7-9

7 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”;
8 others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”
9 But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

9/24/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 9:7-9

Theme: Listening to God Amid the Noise of Life

In this Gospel narrative, we encounter Herod, the ruler of Galilee, who became troubled by the growing reports about Jesus. People were offering different explanations about who Jesus was. Some believed that John the Baptist had returned to life, while others associated Him with the prophets of old. Amid all these rumors, Herod became curious. He wanted to see Jesus.

This short passage invites us to reflect on how we respond when God is working around us. Are we genuinely listening, or are we merely curious spectators?

Let us use the word HEAR as our guide.

H – Humbly Listen to God
Herod heard many things about Jesus, but his response was primarily curiosity. He wanted to see Jesus, yet the Gospel does not immediately show us a heart ready to change.

There is a difference between hearing about God and genuinely listening to Him. We may attend Mass, join prayer meetings, read the Bible, or listen to inspiring talks. But the important question is: Are we allowing God’s message to touch our hearts?

Sometimes, God speaks through a friend, a difficult experience, a kind gesture, or even a painful disappointment. Listening to God requires humility, the willingness to accept that we do not have all the answers.

E – Examine What You Hear
Herod received different reports about Jesus. People had different opinions about His identity and mission. This reminds us that not everything we hear deserves our immediate acceptance.

In our world today, we encounter countless voices: social media, news reports, personal opinions, rumors, and criticisms. Some voices encourage us; others confuse or discourage us.

As people of faith, we need wisdom and discernment. Before believing everything we hear, we should ask: Does this message lead me toward truth, goodness, compassion, and peace? More importantly, does it help me recognize God’s presence in my life? A discerning heart does not simply follow the loudest voice; it searches for the voice of truth.

A – Act on What You Discover
Herod expressed a desire to see Jesus, but curiosity alone does not transform a person’s life.
We, too, can become fascinated by spiritual experiences without allowing them to change us.
We may enjoy beautiful homilies, inspiring testimonies, and powerful worship songs. But faith becomes meaningful when it influences our decisions and actions.

If we hear a message about forgiveness, whom can we forgive?
If we hear a message about kindness, whom can we help?
If we hear a message about trust, what fear can we surrender to God?

The purpose of listening is not merely to collect beautiful words but to turn them into meaningful actions.

R – Respond with an Open Heart
Herod wanted to see Jesus. That desire, in itself, reminds us of the human longing to encounter something greater than ourselves. Yet meeting Jesus is more than seeing Him with our eyes. It is recognizing Him with our hearts.

Today, Jesus may come to us through the poor, the lonely, the sick, the misunderstood, or someone who simply needs our attention. Are we willing to recognize Him?

Sometimes, God speaks softly because He does not want to compete with the noise around us. He waits for us to become still, attentive, and receptive.

An open heart does not merely ask, “What can I get from God?” but also, “What is God inviting me to become?”

This Gospel reading reminds us that hearing about Jesus is only the beginning. The real challenge is to listen deeply, discern wisely, act faithfully, and respond with an open heart.

May we never become like Herod, who was curious about Jesus but struggled to understand the deeper meaning of His presence.

Instead, may our HEAR become a daily invitation to recognize God’s voice, follow His guidance, and allow His love to transform our lives.

May we not only hear about Jesus but truly listen to Him, live His teachings, and become His message of hope to others.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.