When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

Matthew 2:3

News reaches Herod that there are visitors at the palace looking for the newborn king. When you are the king and someone says they are looking for the “new king,” that is very disturbing. It’s like if someone says, we found the person to replace you in your job. 

For even the healthiest of people, the thought of being replaced can disturb us. But Herod was not a healthy person. He ruled violently even by the standards of his time, which was a very violent age. 

Herod chose to isolate himself in the pursuit of power and therefore the unexpected events of life upset him greatly. One of the key ways we prepare for the unexpected problems in life is by having a community to support us. 

Pray today for the grace to form strong connections now so you will have support later.