Greed and Anger

 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 6:14-29

Greed and Anger

Poor John, poor John

doing God's work and

losing his blessed head

presented on a platter.

Poor Mary, poor Joseph

carrying God's child and 

banished from home to

live seven years as refugees.

Love is recharged by love

power is fueled by greed

anger burns like forest fire

the innocents pay the price.

Poor Consuela, poor Juan

separated from their babies

paying the price for asking

that freedom be shared with them.

Poor rich ones, poor greedy ones

for the fruit of selfishness is

not what you think to receive

life is never full while scheming.

Love encourages others flourishing

the work of God is love, more love

winning is never the goal of love

making a safe harbor for all is holy.

Poor Salome, poor King Herod

they could order an execution

they were showered with gifts

yet they never knew love's wholeness.