At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:1-12
The cost of honest criticism can be a death warrant. In ancient times, defying and criticizing a king or queen could get you killed. In a democracy, with free speech as a guaranteed right, death should not be the cost. And we know it is easy for the powerful to get what they want and silence a critic. Herodias' daughter, Salome, danced for the King's birthday and was given her wish which was really her mother's. Revenge. We all know the feeling of desiring revenge, yet it is clear that, no matter how powerful we might be, getting even never wins out. A temporary win, but an eternal failure. We are called to stay away from bitterness and the need for revenge, as they bring nothing but more violence.
Blessed Creator, you renew us every day
so we might soak in the sunlight and warmth
and live free of fear, revenge and condemnation.
Too many of us are petty and want enemies to suffer
we wish them silenced and shut out from the world
yet you call us to love and forgive when we are hurt.
Help us Lord, to pray for our enemies today
so that your light and warmth shine through us
making your love our daily aim and daily goal. Amen.
