Arulvakku

05.02.10 KING HEROD

King Herod heard about it, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”  But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Mk 6, 14.16
Today’s reading is very interesting. Mark, the author, has written it with a journalist’s hand, we can say. The three areas that he touches in the reading are important and even today’s news papers will work the same way. 
They are : the people on high places (King Herod), the sex scandal, and the religion. One thing is certain that what we have read in todays reading is historical. If it was not true, then the first century people (authority) would not have allowed this story to go around among the people. Historians have written more than enough about King Herod and his wicked ways. 
Also, what is written about Jesus is more than true because the people thought that he was a prophet. He was behaving as a prophet and he spoke of himself as a prophet. Because he was doing prophetic works. Elijah, who according to Jewish tradition would return to get things ready for the final judgement.
Here, Herod speaks theology. He speaks about resurrection. But he is wrong in saying that John is risen in Jesus. Resurrection is not the work of John or Jesus, it is the work of GOD. 
His guilty conscience pricks. 
His guilty conscience is not at peace. 
Whatever happens around is a constant reminder of the wrong that one has done.  
Whatever be the ugly story, in it, there can be found real encouragement to faithful witness and constant hope.