And an opportune day came, when Herod, on the occasion of his birthday, gave a dinner for his officials, the commanders of thousands, and the leading men of Galilee.
The Evangelist shows how evil often uses worldly feasts, honor, and carelessness for its purposes. The birthday celebration, which could have been simply a joy, becomes the place where, as we will see next, a bloody decision ripens. When people gather around power and honor, prudence often weakens, and passions are let loose. In such an environment, the person who lacks the fear of God is in greater danger. Outward glory and human pride become the stage on which, as we will see next, a tragedy is played out. This shows that joys, if they are without holiness, can be turned into great evil.