History remembers Herod as one of the most cruel king who killed John the Baptist

Gospel Thoughts

*Fourth Week : Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 6:14-29*

*First Reading - Heb 13:1-8*

*Memory of St Agatha*

*History remembers Herod  as one of the most cruel king who killed John the Baptist*

*1) Herod knew who John the Baptist was*

From the life and attitude of Herod this view becomes very clear. 

 *Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him*

The above attitude of Herod shows that he knew the real worth of John the Baptist.

*2) Truth and Holiness of John's life, did not motivate Herod to save His life*

John was a just and righteous man. He condemned the immoral ways of King Herod and challenged his immoral way of life 

Herod also for sure knew that what John has said is right

The admonitions of John made king Herod to know his own immoral life and also the dark side of his life 

At the same time Herod also realised the holiness and sanctity of His life and his courage 

In spite  of knowing all these things, King Herod could not save the life of John the Baptist. This is the tragedy of the Life of Herod 

*3) Only King Herod had the power to save the Life of John*

Herodias created such a trap through her daughter, it led the king to become a great victim 

Later he realised that herodias has created a great trap, through which he will lose his popularity. 

Even then Herod had all the powers to overcome from the trap of Herodias and to save His life. 

But Herod didn't use His power to defend John and His holy life, but used His power to behead John, even though he knew that John had done nothing wrong 

Herod knew that John was a just and pure man, even then he killed him for his stupid promise which he made to Salome

The stupid promise which he made to Salome became more important than the life of a just and holy man - John the Baptist. 

Finally He used his power to kill John and to get His head in a platter, in order to be given to the little girl - Salome. 

*4) Today History remembers Herod as Killer of John*

This is the common title which is used when we think about Herod 

Because of this killing no man will defend the position of Herod and say that he did what was right. Instead Herod is called most stupid and cruel king who killed John

Herod is remembered today as the one who lived a immoral life because of Herodias, and his illigal relationship with her 

Herod is remembered as the one who was carried away with the sensual pleasure when Salome came and danced 

So History will speak only bad things about Herod rather than good things. 

*5) If Herod had used his power to save the life of John what would have Happened*

First of all, herod would not have got the title that *Herod is the one who killed John*

Secondly he would have used his power to defend the truth and would have sent a strong message to every one

Thirdly the Grudge of Herodias would not have won its battle against John

Fourthly the birthday spirit of Herod would not have spoiled

Even today people would have spoken something good about Herod, for using his power to save a prophet and a innocent and a holy man 

All this did not happen. So history remembers Herod as a cruel and killer of John

*6) No body wants to be remembered as cruel, murderers and immoral person*

Every one has the desire to be known in the history as well as during the life time as good and holy people 

No one wants to be known as bad people for various reasons 

But this mere desire will not help us to create a memory of ours in the history. For this we need to work.

*7) How I will be remembered in the History - during my life and after my life*

Every person will be remembered in the history either for short time or long time 

In fact our future life - life after death depends on the history of our life when we live hear on this earth.

If so looking at my own life, what the history will remember me? 

A good and holy person 

A generous person 

A forgiving person 

A gentle and humble person 

A person who helped many 

A person who was loved by all etc 

Or 

History will remember me as cruel, proud, revengeful, person 

A killer, murderer, angry, miserly, person 

*Just think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*