The result of grudges and envy are at the root of the gospel message today. We will see what can happen when we allow these sins to creep into our life and overtake our judgment.
Herod is manipulated into acting on a devious plan fostered by his wife and daughter. The result is murder, the beheading of an innocent man.
Herodius is steeped in evil intentions marked by the grudge and hate for the John the Baptist and she lies silent until she finds the right moment to strike.
When she finally gets the opportunity to act she takes full advantage of it and manipulates the situation trapping Herod and his daughter in the plot to kill.
We do the same thing when we participate in gossip, hate, and envy. We may not kill the physical body, but worse, we slowly extinguish the fire of the Holy Spirit that dwells within each of us.
Every time we sin we darken the soul and make it harder to see Truth.
We can even manipulate others to act with us and that causes others to lose the way.
Herod and his daughter are just as culpable as Herodias in her evil plan and their loyalty to her is not commendable at all, in fact had Herod stood up and rejected the murder, John the Baptist, would have survived the scheme.
May we never be loyal to the evil plans of others and not take part in the manipulation that can kill the body and soul, but may we be always truly wise in the Spirit of God and rejoice in His consolation so as to bring peace to and foster holiness in our life and the life of others.
