Dangerous Dance

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 

Long before there was Michael Jackson's famous Dangerous Dance there was an even more dangerous dance in a palace. Herodias danced for her father and pleased him so much he promised to give her anything. She asked her mother, who hated the truth-telling that John had spread. John was already in prison but lost his head that night because of a queen's rage and fury at his honesty. From all accounts, this is a story of a child being used by a parent. The child was being rewarded, and the mother took her gift and turned it into murder. John lived gently off the earth and was a truth teller. Folks like John often get the brunt of powerful people's anger, even today. May we remember to be those who both tell the truth and unwilling to put our agenda before the needs of the children.

Wondrous Creator, the fount from which beauty flows

who gives artists inspiration and singers sweet voices

and children the desire to do their very best for parents.

Too often we take the rewards from the most innocent

wanting prizes and rewards that we do not deserve

and bury the truth in more and more lies and coverups.

Help us to be as faithful and honest as John the Baptist

and innocent, compassionate and caring as children

so the world might see your loving spirit with us now. Amen.