Dangerous Dancing

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

Some folks will do anything to manipulate others to get their way. John the Baptist dies because a mother used her daughter to deceive her husband.  She did not like the criticism she received, and wanted the threat gone. This is something that happens too often. Despots kill those who speak out against them, while those who are willing to be fair live with and respond to the criticism. We can, as leaders in the church, rid ourselves (not by death but by firing or shunning) of our critics. It is no better than Herodias' behavior. We are invited today to live with and respond to critics, living humbly and seeking a road to reconciliation. 

Loving Creator, you bless us so much

your bounty and compassion are endless

you make everyone in you holy image

and we often desecrate your wondrous beauty.

This season of election has us fighting

trying to manipulate the vote and outcome

we seem to do anything to win the game

and let others be destroyed by our greed.

Lord Jesus, help us to always be humble

make us those who move towards our critics

help us to seek reconciliation at all times

and make us those who are willing to lose all. Amen.