They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. 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.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ 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. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for 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. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When 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.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately 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.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. Mark 6:13-29
Being honest and outspoken can have consequences. I know many people who have lost positions, been shunned, have lost relationships, support, and tossed out of supposed welcoming rooms. Very few people I know have been beheaded. But it happens, people are snuffed out just because of who they are. We are called in this time when many are being demonized, to support them, stand with them and speak up honestly. One angry woman close to power found a way to remove the problem. When people become a problem, we are all in trouble. May we find a way forward which draws up together, protects the vulnerable and releases the love and mercy of Christ.
Wondrous Creator, you dwell within us
you put holy and righteous among us
so we might learn and speak to power
and so we can mend the hoop of your people.
These days, we give up out of exhaustion
we are jaded and tired of pushing hard
yet the need is greater than any other times
and your love can and will retore us again.
Help us to be renewed and strong again
so we might speak truth and live love
bringing the needs of the least to the light
and your love to the center of your sacred circle. Amen.
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