At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” (Matthew 14:1-2 NABRE)
Word of Jesus had spread all the way to the king. It's interesting that no one doubted Jesus' mighty powers, not even the king, though he did try to find an explanation for them (that Jesus was actually John the Baptist whom he had had killed prior to this time). Herod was concerned that Jesus would lead a rebellion against him. Herod was not concerned of talk that Jesus' had mighty powers.* This seems to have been accepted as fact.
Many today struggle with what to believe about Jesus. Perhaps we can gain some confidence in our own personal belief when we notice that even Jesus' enemies at the time recognized and acknowledged his special power, his ability to perform miracles, and the authority with which he taught. Their acceptance of Jesus was possible in a culture of certain faith in the God of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Today, I will remember the deep certainty of my belief in God and reconfirm my whole faith in his son, Jesus.
Saint Alphonsus Liguori, patron of theologians and vocations, pray for us.
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