Faith and Power

Reflection Date: September 24, 2026 | Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11; Luke 9:7-9

Children of God:
For almost three centuries, Christians in the Roman Empire experienced periods of persecution, uncertainty, and social pressure because of their faith.

Then Emperor Constantine emerged as a decisive figure whose embrace of Christianity dramatically changed the circumstances of the Church.

After his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, Constantine associated his victory with the Christian God and soon favored the Christian faith.

In 313, Constantine and Licinius issued what became known as the Edict of Milan, which established religious freedom and ended official persecution of Christians.

Constantine later supported the construction of Christian churches and became deeply involved in matters affecting the Church.

In 325, he summoned the bishops to the Council of Nicaea, where they confronted the controversy surrounding Arius and the identity of Jesus Christ.

His intervention helped place Christianity in a completely different relationship with imperial authority, after generations of Christians experienced the Roman state as a source of persecution.

Yet Constantine's involvement also raised difficult questions about the relationship between the Church and political power, especially because the emperor was concerned not only with religious questions but also with the unity and stability of the empire.

The legacy of Constantine therefore remains complex: his reign brought an end to persecution and created new possibilities for Christian life, while his involvement also began a long historical debate about what happens when faith becomes closely connected with political authority.

In the gospel story of Herod, the ruler became troubled when he heard about everything that was happening through Jesus.

Some people said that John the Baptist had risen from the dead, while others identified Jesus with Elijah or one of the ancient prophets.

Herod was perplexed because he already had John the Baptist beheaded.

He became curious about Jesus, but curiosity is not the same as conversion.

He wanted to know who Jesus was, but the story did not show him becoming a disciple.

So, what are our inspirations for today?

First, being curious about Jesus is not the same as being willing to change.

Herod was interested in Jesus because he heard extraordinary things about Him.

He wanted to know who this person was, but curiosity alone did not transform his life.

His question remained a question because he did not allow the encounter to become a genuine response.

We can experience the same thing today.

We can listen to homilies, watch religious videos, read Scripture, attend conferences, follow Catholic content creators, and even discuss complicated questions about faith.

Yes, ee can know many things about Jesus without allowing Jesus to change the way we live.

That is why, Jesus does not simply invite us to become experts about Him; He invites us to become people who listen, trust, forgive, serve, and live differently because of Him.

Being curious about Jesus is not the same as being willing to change.

Second, our influence should serve something greater than ourselves.

This reminds us that influence is never neutral.

A person with power can use that influence to open doors for others, protect communities, promote justice, or create opportunities for good.

But influence can also tempt people to use faith for personal recognition, political advantage, or control.

That lesson applies far beyond politics.

We all have some form of influence: a position at work, a family role, a social-media account, a ministry, a platform, or simply the trust that other people give us.

The question is not only how much influence we have but what we do with it.

Christian influence becomes meaningful when it points beyond ourselves and serves the dignity and good of others.

Our influence should serve something greater than ourselves.

As we reflect, we ask ourselves: Am I simply curious about Jesus, or am I allowing my relationship with Him to change the way I live?

How do I use whatever influence, authority, or platform I have been given? When my faith comes into contact with power, recognition, or success, does it remain centered on Christ or does it become centered on me?

Children of God:
Herod asked who Jesus was, but his question did not automatically lead him to discipleship.

Although he was intrigued by the miracles and rumors surrounding Christ, Herod sought to see him merely as a novelty or entertainment rather than a spiritual savior.

His questioning was driven by superficial fascination rather than a sincere desire for truth or repentance.

Consequently, when Herod finally met Jesus during the trial before the crucifixion, he responded with mockery and contempt instead of devotion.

This historical interaction serves as a powerful reminder that asking who Jesus is must be accompanied by a willing heart to truly lead to discipleship.