The Character of Herodias

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty First Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Mk 6:17-29*

*First Reading : Jer 1:17-19*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17*

*The Character of Herodias*

*1) Herodias as a Symbol of Resentful Power*

Herodias represents vindictive power — someone who resents being confronted with moral truth and uses influence and manipulation to eliminate opposition.

*“So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to...”* (Mark 6:19)

Her desire to silence truth stems from personal shame and pride.

She doesn't forget or forgive John’s rebuke of her unlawful marriage — a public moral critique that wounded her status.

Like Herodias, we may be tempted to defend our choices by silencing critics rather than examining our hearts. 

Herodias is a warning against the destructive power of unrepentant pride.

*2) Manipulator Behind the Scenes*

Though not in the public eye as much as Herod or John, Herodias pulls the strings behind the deadly outcome.

She uses her daughter (Salome) as a tool to get what she wants.

She waits for the right opportunity — a feast, drunkenness, public pride — and then acts.

This shows cunning and calculation, not rash emotion.

Herodias reminds us of how sin can be deliberate, not just impulsive — a willful rebellion against truth that plots in secret. 

It's not just what we do in anger, but what we scheme in our hearts that reveals our moral state.

*3) Unrepentant and Hardened Heart*

There is no indication that Herodias ever feels guilt, regret, or repentance.

While Herod is conflicted and even respects John, Herodias appears totally indifferent to the situation

She is offended by God’s truth — and instead of repenting, she seeks to destroy the messenger.

This shows her as an image of hardened conscience — a person who has fully given themselves over to justifying sin at all costs.

Herodias is a spiritual warning — the longer we resist God’s truth, the harder our hearts can become. 

We must ask: Do I allow conviction to change me, or do I double down in self-justification?

*4) The Danger of Defending Sin*

Herodias isn't simply “bad” because of her divorce or remarriage; it’s that she refuses correction. 

The real sin is not moral failure, but prideful resistance to repentance.

Like King David, she could have repented after being confronted — but unlike David, she plots murder

*5) Influence without Accountability*

Herodias shows how influence without moral integrity can be deadly.

She isn't a ruler, but her influence over Herod and Salome turns a feast into a murder scene.

This warns us of the power of quiet corruption — sin doesn’t always shout; it sometimes whispers behind the curtain.

*6) Spiritual Lessons from Herodias*

Do I resent being corrected, or do I allow God’s truth to refine me?

Am I using my influence for manipulation or for good?

Do I try to silence conviction rather than let it lead me to repentance?

Have I allowed bitterness or wounded pride to grow into something more dangerous?

*7) Final Warning*

Herodias, though only briefly mentioned, embodies one of the most serious truths in Scripture.

The rejection of God's word, when combined with pride and power, can lead to spiritual death — not just for oneself, but for others too.

She challenges us to examine the posture of our hearts.

Will we receive correction with humility, or will we silence the voice of truth?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*