Of Herods and Prophets

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erod’s Role in God’s Plan: When we look at Jerusalem, we cannot deny that many of its great constructions were made possible because of Herod the Great who reigned 37—4 BC. He was no fool—he had a dream, a vision, and he knew what he was doing. Because of him, the Temple stood in splendor, even though today it lies in ruins. His legacy remains in the Western Wall, the fortress of Masada which was the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, the desert palace of Herodium, and the port city of Caesarea Maritima. These landmarks remind us that even those who do not walk in God’s ways can still play a role in salvation history.

But the Gospels also speak of another Herod—Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. Unlike his father the builder, Antipas is remembered for weakness and compromise. He ordered the death of John the Baptist and later mocked Jesus when Pilate sent Him to him. Still, even this Herod had a role to play in the unfolding of our salvation.

Both father and son had their part. If there had been no Herod the Great, the stage of Jesus’ life in Jerusalem would not have been set. If there had been no Herod Antipas, the Passion narrative would not have unfolded in the same way. God’s providence weaves even ambition, failure, and betrayal into His saving plan.

Yet the story of leaders often carries a note of tragedy. That is why prophets are so necessary: Prophet Nathan spoke truth to David, John the Baptist confronted Herod. Prophets call leaders back to justice. But Herod not only silenced his conscience. He went against it by having John the Baptist beheaded. And the same pattern repeats in our time. We see leaders in our country and across the world whose promises of progress are tainted by corruption, misuse of public funds, and decisions that serve self-interest over the common good.

The Call of the Heavenly King: The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola invite us to imagine another kind of king—the Eternal King. Unlike earthly rulers, Christ does not build monuments for Himself or manipulate people for power. He gathers friends and calls them into a mission.

The contrast could not be clearer. Earthly visions, even when impressive, are fragile and fleeting. Corruption and greed erode trust and credibility, leaving only ruins behind. The call of Christ points in another direction: toward a kingdom rooted not in power or conquest but in love, not in palaces but in the Cross.

And here lies the difference: Jesus does not impose or force, unlike the dictators of history. The most powerful King gives us freedom to choose. St Ignatius frames his meditation on the Call of the King as precisely that: a choice. Which call will we follow—the call of the “Herods” of this world, or the call of Christ, the true King?

Our Response to the Call: This is where the Gospel presses its question. The Gospel, points us toward two separate ways. And neutrality is not an option, because the cost of corruption is real—we see it daily: poverty deepens, communities are neglected, creation is exploited. Luke even lets us glimpse the inner struggle of Herod, who at one point was intrigued, even restless.

Herod asked, “Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” Luke tells us that he kept trying to see Jesus, curious about a way of leadership so different from what he knew. Yet he remained uncommitted and unable to choose —watching from a distance, never stepping closer.

The same danger exists for us: to stay as spectators, hearing about the way of Jesus but hesitating to follow Him. Why? Because Jesus does not promise kickbacks, palaces or comfort. Only those who recognize the true worth of what He offers—meaning, the hope of resurrection, and the assurance that even our sins and weaknesses can be woven into God’s saving story—find the courage to follow.

In a world scarred by corruption and failed leadership, the choice becomes even sharper. Will we remain bystanders, or will we respond to Christ’s call—to live with integrity, to serve rather than exploit, and to bear witness to a kingdom that cannot be corrupted? The Gospel urges us: take a stand, and choose. Amen. Fr JM Manzano SJ