Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. …
The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. (Mk 6:17-29 )
Herod feared John the Baptist. He knew that John was a righteous man and a holy man. Herod, though he had done something wrong and unlawful and because of this he was criticised by John, yet he respected John. He had an objective view of John. His mistakes and his wrong doing did not colour the image of John. In fact we can say that Herod realized his mistake but could not come out of it.
Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. The mistake that she had done has also influenced hoer opinion on John and her view of John. She wanted John (and in fact everyone) not to disturb her way of life. She wanted to live her life on her own and no one should have any say about her. She did not realize that she was born in a society and society had a say about her life.
John the Baptist was a man who was righteous and his righteousness did not let the evil pass by without being noticed or challenged. He realized that he had a responsibility towards the society and the society had a responsibility on him. Above all else he listened to the conscience of his which for him was the voice of God. He was ready to face any situation but never give up his responsibility. He was ready even to be killed.
