today's other readings are Haggai 1: 1-8 and Psalm 149
There have been repeated stories of how kings and other rulers, even when their rule, to put it charitably, was not exactly in line with the teachings of the Christian faith, would still be fascinated by holy men and women who would come into their midst. The case of Girolamo Savanarola, the Dominican Friar of the late 15th century in Florence, whose preaching was very much in line with John the Baptist, is a classic example of this. Railing against corruption of Flrence and of the world, he was still tolerated by the leader of Florence, Lorenzo Medici.
For a long time Herod was tolerant of John the Baptist, and he liked to hear him preach, even when John's message was directed against him. But now with John martyred, Herod hears someone new, who is named Jesus. And the stories about Jesus have made Herod very curious. But he would only meet Jesus during Jesus' trial, as we read in St. Luke's account of the Passion (see 23: 7-15).
While curious, Herod still sat in his palace and never bothered to venture out to meet Jesus until the time of the Passion. And much to his chagrin, when he did, Jesus said nothing to him.
This story about Herod begs the question - how much have you tried in your own faith journey to meet Jesus? After all, there are many ways to do so.