Conscience

Imagine the enemy you thought you destroyed continues to haunt you.

They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. -  Mark 6:13-29

Herod didn't want to kill John the Baptist.

He did so because he was foolish when he had drunk too much and he couldn't go back on his word.

Now, he hears of Jesus, one of John's followers, and his conscience is bothering him.  Could this be John come back to taunt him?

The word, Conscience, is derived from the Latin conscientia, which means with knowledge.

So, to be troubled by one's conscience, one must know what he or she has done is wrong.  There must be a moral compass guiding the heart, mind and soul.

Someone who has no conscience, has no such knowledge, or has chosen not to concern themselves with these thoughts of right and wrong.  For them, what they choose is always right.

One could argue that such a state of mind is the epitome of evil.  To do harm onto others without concern for them or anyone else is viewed by many as evil.

So, was Herod evil?  Or was he just afraid?

Both the evil one and the frightened one can do harm.  In the end, it makes no difference to the one harmed, if one feels guilt and the other doesn't.

More to come...