Like it or not, we all have a little bit or Herod in us. We might not have his wealth or power or status but we are just as vulnerable as he was to the sin of pride. Like it or not, we have pride lurking inside us and if we are not careful we will succumb to it, just like Herod.
Herod Antipas, to save face, had John the Baptist beheaded at his birthday party. We all know the story that mixes drunkenness, adultery, lust, hate, and jealousy. And when it comes down to it, it was Herod’s arrogance and pride that caused him to murder a man he secretly held in regard. Herod just couldn’t admit he was wrong. His pride got the best of him. And if we are not careful, it will get the best of us, too!
“Pride is a sin that is so pervasive, runs so deep within us, that we often don’t even sense it is there. Not only is it a sinful drive in itself, it also plays a role in every other sin we commit. Pride is the sin we most share with Satan and the fallen angels” (Msgr. Charles Pope). It would be no exaggeration to say that pride is the underlying cause of all sin. If we took take the time to examine our conscience and honestly scrutinize our sins we would find beneath it all, pride.
So, what can we do? How can we take the path that Herod was too proud to take? How can we turn away from our prideful inclinations? How can we up root pride in our lives? One word…humility.
So, let us pray, “Lord, save me from my pride. Grant me true humility.”
