THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Luke 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.

REFLECTION

And he kept trying to see him.

Usually when I go to a funeral: either a friend of a friend, spouse of a friend, relative whom I had lost contact with or a famous evangelist, political or royal figure, present day canonized saints, etc, I am wanting to know more about the deceased. I also experience a sadness that I did not get to know them in person.

After our PAPA FACE ZBS (face to face Bible study via zoom) session I am left with a strong overwhelming desire to know more about Jesus: ponder the Gospel that gives us glimpses into His life, His thinking and teachings. Jesus is very much alive --not dead--and He invites us to know Him through His written Word, Bible study, Confession, The Holy Eucharist or our daily chores, decisions and disappointments.

Imagine, we contemplate Jesus in the midst of our busy schedule: To know Him personally.

How hard did Herod Antipas search for Jesus? Yes, he was curious but he held the same blind obstinacy as the Pharisees, not listening, not heeding, hearing but never understanding.

We Catholics have the immense blessing of daily walking with Jesus in the Mass. Jesus is fully present in the Eucharist, Body, Soul and Divinity. Our objective is to receive Jesus and be with Him for eternity.

Are we ready to see Jesus in His glorious Love face to face?

"John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?"

For more information on our Bible study via zoom FACE ZBS, please contact us at papa@papamio.org.

God Bless You.