Why Jesus called Herod, as Fox?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 30th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:31-35*

*First Reading : Eph 6:10-20*

*Why Jesus called Herod, as Fox?*

*1) Who is this Herod?*

Herod was the tetrarch (meaning “ruler of a fourth,” for the kingdom was divided) of Galilee, in whose territory Jesus was active.

We all know about Herod the Great, the one who was in power when Jesus was born and who slaughtered the innocent children after the Magi told him about the Christ child.

But this is his son, Herod Antipas, Whom Jesus called as Fox 

*2) Fox is an unclean animal*

Fox is an unclean animal in the Israelite holiness codes.

So it is an insult for Herod. In fact Herod had become unclean, because of his evil deeds. 

Fox is always crooked and known for its hypocrisy.

It acts in one way, but it shows itself as innocent and good

That's why Jesus called him as fox 

*3) Why Herod was Unclean?*

*A) He built new capital City on Jewish Cemetery*

In order to please the Roman officials Herod build a grand new capital city named Tiberius, on top of an old Jewish cemetery. 

Since it was built by Herod, no pious Jew ever entered it, and it was inhabited almost exclusively by Greeks and Romans.

*B) Marriage with Herodias*

He divorced his first wife, which had been a political union, as she was the daughter of an Arab ruler, in order to marry Herodius. 

Herodias was the wife of His half brother. 

It was an immoral union 

*C) Killing of John the Baptist*

Herod had killed John the Baptist, for challenging his immoral way of life 

It was this Herod who killed an innocent holy person to cover up his immoral way of life 

*D) Dance of Salome*

Allowing ones daughter to dance in the public was a shameful act. It was a disgraceful act 

No pious Jew would ever have let his daughter dance in front of strangers.

So the readers would have understood that Herod Antipas was an unrighteous man and an unfit ruler. 

These are the evil deeds of Herod

For these above reasons Jesus called Herod as Fox

*4) Is there a shadow of Fox in me?*

Jesus called Herod as Fox 

What Jesus will call me? 

What is the level of attitude of fox found in me? 

Which name will suit to my life? 

Sheep

Lamb

Camel 

Donkey

Pig 

Fox 

Hen 

Serpent 

Dove 

Birds of the Air

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*