Ecclesiasticus 47:2-11 / Mark 6:14-29
An eulogy is a speech or writing in praise of a person, especially when that person has passed away recently. Eulogies are usually given as part of funeral services.
Usually the good things are said about the deceased - his achievements, his examples, his good character, etc.
It is also not polite to say something nasty about the deceased. After all the word eulogy means "in praise of" and hence it is understood to be about the good of a person.
The 1st reading would sound more like an eulogy for David. Or at least it is to pay tribute and to honour David.
Yet, in spite of the glowing praises, we all know that David had sinned against the Lord and that he committed adultery and even murdered his faithful soldier in order to cover his misdeeds.
However, David admitted to his guilt and asked for forgiveness and the Lord forgave him.
David was humble and contrite and repentant and with the Lord's forgiveness, he rose to great heights.
But in the gospel, we come across a man who committed sin after sin, and showed no repentance nor asked for forgiveness.
John the Baptist warned Herod, but for his pride and ego, he had John the Baptist done away with.
And now Herod hears about Jesus, and he was immediately reminded of what John the Baptist had warned him.
Herod didn't leave a legacy behind. It is more like he left a tragedy and wasted his chances, all because he didn't heed the call to repentance.
Let us be aware of the signs that are calling us to repentance and conversion. When we heed those signs and act on them, then it will be a living eulogy for us.