By Kristine Schroeder
Lessons Learned
“The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guest, he did not wish to break his word to her” (Mark 6: 26).
We have heard this Gospel numerous times. Herod, because of an impetuous promise he made in the enjoyment of a moment, tells Herodias’ daughter that she may have whatever she wishes. He takes it so far as to foolishly promise half of his kingdom. When the young girl consults with her mother, Herodias immediately replies, “The head of John the Baptist.”
She is driven by hatred. John the Baptist condemned her marriage to Herod. Initially, she had been married to Herod’s brother. Nowhere in the reading does it imply that he was deceased. From the little we learn of her character in that one statement, we can deduce that she was a woman ruled by her emotions. And, she was not afraid to wield her anger over her cowardly new husband.
Herod, on the other hand, appears to be a man of many fears. It seems an incongruous statement given that he is the ruler. However, the evidence points to a person consumed both with worldly pleasures and a desire for popularity. While his subconscious nudges him toward truth, “Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.” Mark continues, “When he heard him speak, (Herod) was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.” In his nascent conscience, Herod had an inkling that John’s teachings were sound. However, opening himself up to John’s words would destroy the only life Herod understood. Fear of losing what he knew kept him stagnant.
Herod also feared his wife’s anger. He feared his guests reaction if he did not follow through on his promise. And, he feared the truth that John preached. If he allowed himself to consider the truth, he feared losing his power and position with all the amenities of Roman rule.
Herod was trapped in his earthly existence, and John’s preaching of a kingdom not of this world was beyond his understanding. Immersed in the transitory material world, Herod did not allow himself to become cognizant of Jesus’ everlasting kingdom.
While Herod appears detestable and weak, he also reflects our own struggles in this world. We also are often fearful of committing totally to God’s law. No, we are not going to call for the head of another if backed into a corner. However, how many times do we remain quiet when our Catholic values are attacked? Do we defend the unborn? Do we understand the tenets of our faith and willingly share them when others ask? Are we willing to be unpopular for our beliefs? These are tough requirements of living our Catholic faith.
A priest once said, “It is difficult to be an army of one.” Some years ago, a cousin faced the disturbing fact that he was an alcoholic. He took two steps that changed his life. He joined AA and found support there. He also told us that he had to remove himself from his fellow drinkers. The temptation was too great.
It is important to have support of like-minded people. Being a member of a CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) group that regularly meets and reads Catholic literature has certainly bolstered my confidence. Sharing videos from national Catholic speakers has opened up much discussion about our world and the Catholic role models we are called to be.
Finally, we need the grace of God to sustain us in a world spinning off its moral compass. Praying daily, attending Mass and consuming the Eucharist, going to confession regularly and taking a weekly Adoration hour build our spiritual stamina for the battles we all face.
Repeatedly, we are informed that God does not create fear and despair. The devil does, and he uses these tools frequently to shake our trust in God and his promises. It is only through a constant meal of spiritual food that we are able to face our fears and live in the present moment trusting that God will provide what we truly need. If we do our part, we are guaranteed that God will do his.