I can relate to King Herod. We’re told that “when he heard [John the Baptist] speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.” Like the King I get perplexed when I hear the gospel message. If I turn the other cheek won’t I keep getting slapped? If I love my enemies and do good to those who hate me won’t I become a door mat? If I forgive seventy times seven times don’t I expose myself to more hurt? But also like the King I like to listen to the gospel message. It opens up the possibility of a world where justice and peace reign. My prayer is that, unlike King Herod, I will trust God’s infinite possibilities rather than my fears.
