Gospel Reflection – February 6, 2026

February 6, 2026

There were many irregular things in the King’s life, and John called him out on them; he did not stay silent. Herod does not want to look bad in front of others, and his decisions end in tragedy. Weighing on his conscience was the remorse of having ordered the murder of John the Baptist, giving in to his wife’s demands. Because of “his oaths and the guests,” he orders him to be beheaded.

Later, when he receives Jesus sent by Pilate, he is disappointed by Jesus’ silence and sends Him back to the governor just to stay on good terms with him. This desire to “look good” facilitates the condemnation and death of Jesus.

Herod’s attitude is a warning about our own tendency to want to “look good” in front of others—a tendency that often masks wrong decisions. Even if they don’t end in such harsh tragedies, they still harm others.

Salvador León