Lent, Day 36: he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment that was to come

For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for for you to have your brother's wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death and could not do so; for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.

Note the difference between Herodias and Herod. She held a grudge against John and wanted him killed; he was afraid yet fascinated by John. While Herod would not release John, he kept him alive for, like a moth to the flame, he could not resist the light which held his attention even as it burned him. Of the two, who was the more evil? (They remind me of the religious leaders and Pilate who work together in imprisoning the Lord, but whose motives and attitudes toward Jesus were so different).