Jesus, his teaching and his miracles were causing quite a stir. Who was this? Many could only believe that it was someone from the past who had come back. Others, like Herod feared that this was someone completely new. It turns out they were both right. Jesus, who always was with the Father was the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Yet his human presence among us was something entirely new.
Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, beauty ever ancient and ever new.
Why was Herod looking to see Jesus? Perhaps he saw him as a threat to his temporal power. Perhaps Herod wanted to learn skills and wisdom from him, which he could later use at his convenience.
Why do we look for Jesus? Hopefully, it is not for the reasons mentioned above. Rather, when we seek him, may we be willing to become participants in a beautiful story much larger than our very selves, one that is ever ancient and ever new.