The passage from the Epiphany can be and has been preached in many ways. There has been in the past a focus on the star, the magi, and even the priest in this passage.  Usually, the villain is largely ignored.  However, this reflection will focus on the actions of the villain, Herod, so they can be avoided.  Herod was a murderous tyrant. What the readings don’t tell here is that he killed many innocent children after he had felt duped by the magi.  
    This gospel passage does tell some other negative things about  Herod.  First, he was a hypocrite who used religion to his advantage.  He called all the priests from his kingdom to explain to him a bible passage, but not because he wanted to learn more about God, but so that he could ascertain where the child would be born so he could then go and kill the child.  He used those priests for his personal advantage and pretended to care when he did not really care about the child.  
    How many people in the church today act in the same way?  They use religion for their own personal gain and advantage.  They pretend to care about others but only care for themselves.  They also read the bible but not to find out what it means for them, but what it means for others. They use the bible to their advantage and give it their own interpretation. They only want to keep up with the appearances of religion, but their heart is far away from God.
    Second, Herod was very dishonest.  He tells the magi to go search diligently for the child so then he could so go to adore the Child himself...an outright lie. He had no intention of going anywhere. In fact, as learned later, he only wanted to kill.  He had an evil intention, but he pretended very well to appear to care.  In fact, the magi believed his story so much they intended to return to him with the news they had found the Child. They (the magi) had to be told in a dream to return from a different direction.  Herod was that convincing! 
    How many people are the same way today? They are full of false pretenses. They are full of dishonesty. Yes, even those who come to church.  As the gospel says, they are whitened tombs that look good from the outside, but inside they are full of death.  Beware of those who say hi with a smile and then stab you in the back. Beware of those people who are nice to you in front of you, but in the moment, you are out of sight, they start talking bad about you.  Herod was a bad guy, with bad intentions, unfortunately some continue to hold his same attitudes. It is a very negative outlook on life, no wonder the Epiphany homilies do not want to focus on Herod.  But what is important to know, Herod does not win at the end! The Epiphany of the Lord still takes place. In this last day of Christmas with the Epiphany, and as the year starts, let us reflect how life is being lived while in this world and, hopefully, at the end we will not be judged to be on the wrong side of history.  Let us pray not to end up being Herod by our actions. Let us pray to not end up being the villain of the Epiphany of the Lord. Rather, let us pray the light of Christ may continue to shine ever more powerful to dispel any darkness in the heart.