Hasty Promises

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 

The Red Queen, in Alice in Wonderland is considered to be mad, along with many other characters in the story. Yet she reflects an attitide, and a behavior, that we humans can understand. When someone upsets her way of living, revealing her shallow, self-centered madness, she wants them to die. She makes threats and promises to cover her madness and deception. Destrying others, so that noone sees the rulers frailties, is as old as time itself.

Jesus' ministry has begun with miracles and healing of heart, body and mind. The people see him as a possible reincarnation of John. Herod killed John because he made a hasty promise to Herodias. Her mother took the opportunity to destroy John, who had told the truth about her deceptive ways. He had to die so she could be justified. We are invited today to understand the revenge and anger we sometimes hold. The anger can be justified or it can be fury over embrarassment. We can destroy others by the creulty that rises out of anger. Or we can turn and find freedom and healing from self-centered madness. 

Today, I ask God to give me the strength to examine my hurts and angers, turning and seeking forgiveness and healing. May we see the anger in our world today for what it is, the crying out of people who need healing, forgiveness and love.