Why is it that when I hear Bishop Zurek speak of the need for more priests, I am very much #perplexed, like my Dorking chickens seeking shelter from the wind, as he allows laity to conduct a private Communion Service at his Cathedral on the same day a priest is providing a Mass; furthermore, since he himself has never presided at a daily Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral—could it be that, just like the endless flood of consumer goods that baffle the heart, this situation distracts from the true value of the Eucharist and the priesthood, leaving me wondering what is truly being cherished in our faith community—When I heard him speak I was very much perplexed❓
Gospel
King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread,
and people were saying,
“John the Baptist has been raised from the dead;
That is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
Others were saying, “He is Elijah”;
still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.”
But when Herod learned of it, he said,
“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison
on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,
and kept him in custody.
When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,
yet he liked to listen to him.
Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,
gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers,
and the leading men of Galilee.
His own daughter came in and performed a dance
that delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl,
“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”
He even swore many things to her,
“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,
even to half of my kingdom.”She went out and said to her mother,
“What shall I ask for❓”
Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”
The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,
“I want you to give me at once on a platter
the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.
So he promptly dispatched an executioner
with orders to bring back his head.
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
He brought in the head on a platter
and gave it to the girl.
The girl in turn gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Lectio Divina Reflection on “perplexed“
I find myself perplexed by the contradictions that arise in my faith journey. On this Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, (First Friday) I meditate on the Gospel passage where Herod, despite his power, was unsettled and confused by the words he heard. It strikes me how often I, too, am perplexed by the way authority is wielded, especially within the Church that I love. I seek clarity, yet I encounter ambiguity. I long for justice, yet I face dismissal. But is perplexity always a burden, or can it also be a sign that something deeper is at work❓
Pope Francis calls us to cherish the beauty of creation, but I am perplexed by how easily our consumer-driven world drowns out that call. The flood of distractions keeps people from appreciating the simple, sacred moments of life. The rush for more, the need for convenience, and the preference for expedience all seem to take precedence over the quiet patience required for true reverence. If even the natural world suffers from this pattern, should I be surprised that our spiritual world does too❓
must not be confused with public opinion.
summarily dismissed; and then another false narrative appears.”
When I made accusations of clergy abuse at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Bishop Zurek responded in a way that left me perplexed. Rather than engaging in genuine dialogue, he insisted that explanations are “summarily dismissed” and then replaced with yet another false narrative. This cycle of avoidance and deflection only deepens my bewilderment. Is the truth so difficult to face that it must be hidden behind layers of misdirection❓ Or is it that speaking out, no matter how justified, always comes at the cost of rejection❓
“…dying the lonely the oppressed the hungry the Thirsty the Discerning the broken the uncertain the confused…”
The decision to replace the Friday 7 AM Mass with a Communion Service perplexes me as well. If Bishop Zurek truly believes in the importance of increasing vocations, why does he so readily allow lay-led services to compete with a Mass❓ While I understand that Father Tony needs to be with his dying friend, why does our shepherd not take on the responsibility of celebrating Mass for those who seek it❓ And why is this Communion Service not announced in the bulletin❓ Could it be that acknowledging it would expose the very contradiction that leaves me perplexed.❓
Perhaps perplexity is not a failure of understanding but a call to deeper discernment. If even Herod, in his worldly power, could be disturbed by the truth he did not wish to face, then maybe I, too, am being invited to wrestle with difficult questions. But as I look at the state of the Church, the inconsistencies in leadership, and the quiet sacrifices of the faithful who continue to seek Christ despite it all, I am left wondering—
A constant flood of new consumer goods can baffle the heart and prevent us from cherishing each thing and each moment.
FROM PARAGRAPH 222 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME