The Tragedy of the life of Salome - The daughter of Herod

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 4th Week - Friday*

*Gospel : Mk 6:14-29*

*First Reading : Heb13:1-8*

*The Tragedy of the life of Salome - The daughter of Herod*

*1) Salome - A talented Girl*

From the Gospel it appears that, Salome was a talented Girl

She had a talent for dance, and her dance delighted king Herod and the guests 

The effect of the dance was so much that King made a big promise *“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.”*

*2) Salome was not able to decide for herself*

When king promised such a great gift to Salome, she was not able to decide what she wanted. 

Hence she approached her mother to ask her guidance 

Here begins the tragedy of the life of salome, because she was not able to decide what is good and what is bad. 

She blindly followed the advice of her mother

*3) Salome was misused by her parents*

This is the greatest tragedy of the life of Salome

Such a young girl who had a bright future was misused by her mother to kill someone and to take revenge 

Salome became the victim of the immoral life of her mother and her grudge against the innocent and Holy Man - John the Baptist 

*4) At the end Salome got nothing*

King had promised her great things. 

But at the end Salome got nothing. 

She got the head of John, which she gave to her mother. By this she got nothing 

Instead of getting she lost some valuable things, she lost her future, she lost her good reputation and she became a murderer of John

She became a tempter and seducer which ended in murdering the Holy Man 

*5) Need to choose right things - advice from right persons*

Three lessons are very powerful from the life of Salome 

When some one promises something to you, ask the right things which can build ones life

Secondly, in case one needs advice, ask from the right persons, who can really motivate and show right direction 

Thirdly, evaluate for yourself or use your reason and prudence to choose what is beneficial to every one, which can build life and foster holiness 

*6) Role of the Parents*

The life of Salome also has a powerful lessons to the parents 

Never to use the children for ones selfish motives at the cost of spoiling their future 

Giving right direction is very important. Children first consult their parents. So parents should be in a position to show the right path, and achieving their goals 

Wrong direction will spoil the entire future of the Children

*At the same time never to give your brains for some one or for rent* - Think about it

So Salome is a important figure in the Bible to learn a lot of lessons for our personal life 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*