Grudges

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

John the Baptist lost his life and was beheaded because of a grudge. Herodias wanted him dead and used her daughter, manipulated her husband, all because of her fury at John for telling the truth. We all can and do hold grudges but most of us don't wield the kind of power Herodias had. We have seen that many of the mass shootings in this country are motivated by anger, hurt and a long-held grudge. Forgiveness, and letting go of anger are disciplines many of us weren't taught and don't practice. Love and life can flourish only when there is forgiveness. May we all work together for an overflowing of forgiveness in our time.

Loving God, you know our broken hearts

you see the hurts, the slights, and our rage

and you call us to move away from anger

forgiving all those who cause us great pain.

We are so human and so very vulnerable

yet we are also your beloved and loved

help us to put our focus on the healing

leaving revenge and anger alone.

Make us those who seek and live peace

let our lives show forth your loving ways

help us to set down cruelty and weapons

building instead the ways of healing and love. Amen.