Mark 6: 13- 29 (NRSV)
13They cast out many demons, and anointed
with oil many who were sick and cured them. 14 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.' 15But others said, 'It is Elijah.' And others said, 'It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.' 16But when Herod heard of it, he said, 'John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.'
17 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. 18For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.' 19And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20for 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. 21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22When 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.' 23And he solemnly swore to her, 'Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.' 24She went out and said to her mother, 'What should I ask for?' She replied, 'The head of John the baptizer.' 25Immediately 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.' 26The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Think
The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.
I am not a parent. But how often have I seen a child who is behaving badly rewarded so that they will not make more of a scene. In the past week I have seen it in the grocery store, and at church, and in the past in countless lines or places where children get impatient. I've done it myself, when kid's I'm watching start acting up I will give them what ever they want to stop crying, whatever they want can be a dangerous thing to promise. A friend of mine is trying to potty train a three year old, and I won't ever forget reading that the toddler said he would use the potty if one of two impossible options were given to him.
Herod is in this impossible position with his niece/step-daughter, Herodias' daughter. He told her he would give what ever was in his power to give. She asks for something, not that she wants but that her mother wants, and Herod is obliged, or seems obliged to give it to her. Because he can't break his oath and he doesn't want to disappoint the guests.
What kind of guests are these, that they want to see a beheaded man in the midst of a birthday celebration! I know that Herod opposes the power of John, any king would, John had a huge following and he spoke with authority. But Herod also has respect for John, he sees him as a holy man or he would have killed him when he was arrested. Its a delicate balance respect and fear. And often times we fall on the side of fear, and fear leads to destruction rather than peaceful reconcilliation.
In this passage I find myself wondering what would I want to happen if I were one of the guests. Would I have spoken out and said this request is ridiculous, what do you really want child, a beautiful gold necklace perhaps, a new herd of camels, a handsome husband in your future marriage? Would I have looked forward to see if Herod could be controled by the will of a child? Would I have left before they brought back his head, feigning illness? I'd like to think I would have done something. But chances are, in the presence of the King and a princess, and other powerful people I would have remained silent. I would have been not unlike the crowds in the tale of the Emperor's new clothes. I would not have spoken up about the ridiculous and damaging request.
Pray
Heavenly Lord, I pray that your strength will resonate in my soul when I am a witness to atrocities. I hope I never am present for a physical execution, but I ask that I be more aware and vocal about the destruction of psyches of bullying, of racism, sexism, agism, classism, and any other hateful speech or action. May your love lead me to be fearless instead of fearful in the face of worldly power. Help me to stand up to the kings of this world and align myself totally with you. AMEN
Contemplation:
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