Today, the Gospel tells us how Herod was anxious to see Jesus (cf. Lk 9:9). Such an urge to see Jesus was born out of curiosity. A lot was being said about Jesus because of the miracles which He was performing. Many spoke about Him. And Jesus’ behavior was reminding many people of the names of several prophets: Elijah, John the Baptist etc. But these whims did not transcend mere curiosity. To the extent that when Herod meets Jesus he treats Him contemptuously and mocks Him (cf. Lk 23:8-11). Herod's caprice to meet Jesus vanishes when finally facing Him because Jesus refuses to answer his many questions. The Silence of Jesus denounces Herod as corrupt and depraved.

Sometimes, as in the case of Herod, we may feel like “seeing” Jesus, too. But Jesus in flesh and bones, as in Herod's time, is no longer available to us; although there are other ways for us to meet Jesus. Let me draw your attention to just two of them.

In the first place, the Church's tradition has made Thursday an excellent day to “see” Jesus in the Eucharist. There are many places where, on a Thursday like today, Jesus-Eucharist is exposed. “Eucharistic adoration is an essential way of being with the Lord. The Lord is present in the tabernacle in His divinity and His humanity. He is not there for Himself, but for us” (Benedict XVI). —Come over, so you may be bedazzled by His presence.

In the second place we may refer to a popular song that goes: “He is with us and we do not know him.” For Jesus dwells in many of our brothers and sisters who are outcasts of society, who suffer and have nobody “who wants to meet them”. In his Encyclical God is Love, Benedict XVI says: “Love of neighbor, grounded in the love of God, is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful, but it is also a responsibility for the entire ecclesial community at every level.” Hence, as Jesus is waiting for you, in both cases He will welcome you with open arms. So do come over!