Revenge Dancing

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

The story of John the Baptist losing his head because of a pleasing dance has always confused and made me wonder about how God works. It seems as if the powerful can destroy others and get cruel revenge without consequences. I used to wonder why God would allow it. I have come to realize that it is not the work of God but the cruel and selfish behavior of humans. In these times we have seen too much revenge meted out on the innocent and the vulnerable. We always have the choice, in every situation, to be cruel or to be kind, to use our power for good of for evil. We have the choice to bring light or carry darkness. Theologians call it free will, a gift from God that can turn dangerous to others. May we live knowing we have choices and that we are called to choose the way of love, healing and peace.

Loving Creator, you give us your power

so we might choose to do good in the world

and to care for the needs of the most vulnerable.

Too often, we give in to our selfish desires

hurting others since we feel hurt ourselves

and good people are torn asunder by our deeds.

Help us to choose to live a life of service

choosing daily to bring love into all spaces

and choosing to embrace those hurting here. Amen.