A Dangerous Dance

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

Rage, revenge and deceit have no place in our lives of faith. Too often, we put our personal needs ahead of the needs of the community and we try to justify our actions by calling it justice. Herodias was furious with John, who was already in prison because of her, since he was telling the truth of her deceit. It wasn't enough to have him in prison, she wanted him dead, and finally got her way. She even tainted her minor child by making her part of her evil scheme. She will always be remembered as the woman whose selfish revenge took a prophet and saint out of the world. Our deeds will be remembered. May our lives be filled with deeds of love, compassion and forgiveness since this is the Jesus' way, the way of love.

Creator God, your justice runs down like rain

and your love surrounds those who are hurting

you call us to seek you in our times of sorrow

and you promise to renew and heal us all.

We often lean into our anger calling it righteous

when it is selfishness and the need to dominate

we use our raging words to hold others hostage

never forgiving nor ever seeking forgiveness.

Help us all to be your true justice warriors

make our works and actions restorative

give us the strength to offer your healing

so your love can serve the world through us all. Amen.