This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him

 

 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."  And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."  And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.  So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.  Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

 

- Matthew 14:1-12 

 

Yesterday we read that when Jesus finished preaching in parables, He departed for His hometown of Nazareth.  When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  Is this not the carpenter's son?  Is not His mother called Mary?  And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?  And His sisters, are they not all with us?  Where then did this Man get all these things?  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house."  Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

 

 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."  And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."  And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.  So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.  Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.   This account of the death of John the Baptist is given parenthetically, so to speak.  That is, this "backstory" is meant to tell us why Herod believes that Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead.  My study Bible comments that as part of God's plan for salvation, John's martyrdom allowed the coming of the Messiah to be announced to the souls in Hades, for John was the forerunner of Christ there as well as on earth.  Note also that John was held in such high esteem that Herod feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  My study Bible cites John the Baptist's strictly ascetic lifestyle; he lived in poverty and was clothed in camel's hair.  It notes that Herod's fear of the people's love of John is a testament both to the power of personal holiness and integrity, for the people held John in the highest esteem.

 

The gruesome scene in this story always comes around to remind us of the dangers of martyrdom, which are present to every saint.  John's life is also reflective of the Cross, even before the Cross came, for we can find images and meanings in Christ from both the old and the new.  The eternal realities given to us through Christ are not simply part of His story, for His life alone on this earth.  For Christ's story is the story of the earth; Christ's story is the central event of spiritual history.  For us who believe in Christ and call ourselves His followers, He is this pivotal center, and all else revolves around Him.  Therefore the truth of His life as Incarnate Son is present to us in all the stories of holiness, in all the Scriptures, in one form and another.  In John the Baptist we see sacrifice and gruesome suffering.  We see the highest esteem and love from the people, for his holiness was apparent, and made him a revered figure in his own time.  We see someone willing to live and die for his mission from God, giving up all things in order to serve God.  As my study Bible says, his own integrity created this esteemed image in the eyes of the people.  John the Baptist is considered the last and greatest of the Old Testament type prophets.  His life speaks to us of a fearless mission to truly embody what it is to "speak truth to power," as the popular saying goes.  But his depth of reliance on and commitment to God means that this truth comes from God, and it is this appeal of God to the people, and to the powers that be, that John represents, and for which he was martyred.  In his martyrdom is a picture of the Cross before the Cross would come to all of us, so to speak.  He embodies what it is to live a life transfigured in the light of Christ, but in the light of Christ to come, about Whom he spoke to the world, and sought to prepare the people to accept through a repentance in preparation for His coming.  John the Baptist's life teaches us about martyrdom and about greatness, for no other figure so strongly taught us about the life of Christ to come, and no other embodied, at the same time, the humility before Christ that uncovers the truth for all of us. For it is John who said of Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).  This is our own statement for the work of the Cross and the Holy Spirit in our own lives.  St. Paul put it this way:  "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31).  Before the Cross came, John showed us his love of God, and pointed the way to Christ, just as he would do (according to the Orthodox tradition) for the souls awaiting Christ the Savior in Hades.  He is, therefore, in all ways true to his title, the Forerunner.  Let us honor holiness, wherever it is found, wherever Christ is revered, and the Cross is known and lived.  

 

 

 

 

Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee

 

   Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known.  And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"  For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.  Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.  

 

Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."  He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"  Immediately she came in with haste to th king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.  And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples hears of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

 

- Mark 6:14–29 

 

Yesterday we read that Jesus came to His own country of Nazareth in Galilee, and His disciples followed Him.  And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue.  And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things?  And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house." Now He could do not mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.   And He marveled because of their unbelief.  Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.  And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.  He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts -- but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.  Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.  And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.  Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"  So they went out and preached that people should repent.  And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. 

 Now King Herod heard of Jesus, for His name had become well known.  And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  This King Herod was the son of the one who slew the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).  His father was known as Herod the Great, and the king in today's reading is Herod Antipas who rules for Rome over Galilee.  Although he was technically called a governor, my study Bible explains, he was popularly called king.  He knows that John the Baptist worked no miracles while he lived, but now -- because of the events of the first apostolic mission of Christ's disciples -- he believes that John was raised from the dead, thinking that powers are at work in him.  So, therefore, he fears John more dead than alive.

Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  Elijah was expected to return and work signs before the second coming of the Lord (Malachi 4:5).  The Prophet, according to my study Bible, is interpreted by some to be a reference to the Messiah, the One foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), while others interpret it to simple mean that a new prophet had arisen.  

 

 But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"  For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.  Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.   The account that begins here, and that makes up of our reading for today, is given parenthetically, explaining John's death and how it came about, so that we can understand why Herod fears that John has risen from the dead.  My study Bible comments on the fact that Herod, with his wealth and soldiers, feared John, a man who lived in poverty and was clothed in camel's hair (Mark 1:6).  It notes that this is a testament both to the power of personal holiness and integrity, and also to the people's perception of John, for he was held in the highest esteem (Mark 11:32). 

Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."  He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"  Immediately she came in with haste to th king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.  And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples hears of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.  My study Bible tells us that, as part of God's plan of salvation, John's martyrdom allowed the coming of the Messiah to be announced to the souls in Hades, for John was the forerunner of Christ there as well as in our world.  It notes that the beheading of John the Baptist is remembered on August 29th in the Orthodox, and also in other Churches, both Catholic and Protestant.  An Orthodox hymn sung at Matins for this day declares, "Your tongue, which constantly speaks of God, has preceded Christ into death and is sent to preach Him to those in Hades."

Note the scandalous bloodthirstiness and indulgent lascivious nature of Herod's court on display.  These are things that surely scandalized the Jews under Roman occupation.  First of all there is John the Baptist who is clearly a representative of the Law.  (In fact John is considered to be the last and greatest of the Old Testament type prophets.)  He is imprisoned in the first place because he chastises the king and queen in that their marriage is unlawful; for Herod's brother had been married to her and he is still living.  But even Herod knew that John was a just and holy man.  Therefore, he heard him gladly.   The language of the text is indicative of something evil coming into play, when we read, then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  For this is the same language we read in Luke's Gospel, after Christ's temptations by the devil.  Luke 4:13 reads, "Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time."   What provides the opportunity for the martyrdom of John the Baptist is the setting of Herod's birthday party, and more specifically Herod's undisciplined susceptibility to flattery and vanity.  His nobles and "chief men" are present, he allows himself to swear an oath to the girl whose dancing impressed him (again, scandalous behavior to the Jews, to parade a daughter in this way among all of these men), and his inability to say no although he knows John to be a "just and holy man."  It's the opportunity for Herodias' power-hungry and murderous behavior, directing her daughter to ask for such a horrific "present."  We can only imagine what a hideous and bloody scene that was, like a special dish presented on a platter and given to the daughter, and a daughter trained to be dutiful to her mother's evil behavior in turn putting it before her mother like a special dish prepared for this birthday feast.  Herod and Herodias, due to their maneuvering for power, would die in exile themselves.  But all of the story speaks to passions run amuck and used for perverse purposes, the "opportune time" for evil influence.  And the result is that when Herod hears later of Jesus, he fears that it is John who has arisen from the dead, imagining that John has returned with a kind of arcane power to use.  What we might observe here is the progression from bad to worse, and how giving in to our passions allows unforeseen consequences and bad actors to manipulate us in our weaknesses and temptations.  It enforces for us the importance of repentance and of self-knowledge, of learning to say "no" to self-indulgence, and especially of the need for the practice of discernment and prayer to keep us on a good road in our lives.  For the word of God is "living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" as St. Paul tells us (Hebrews 4:12).  This Word, we know, is Christ, and He is the way, the truth, and the life that we need to guide us through our vulnerabilities (John 14:6).  Let us always remember God.

This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him

 

 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."  And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."  And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.  So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.  Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

 

- Matthew 14:1-12 

 

In yesterday's lectionary reading, we learned that after Jesus had finished teaching in parables, He departed from there.  When He had come to His own country of Nazareth, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  Is this not the carpenter's son?  Is not His mother called Mary?  And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?  And His sisters, are they not with us?  Where then did this Man get all these things?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house."  Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

 

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."   Jesus has become well-known enough so that by now Herod Antipas, who is the ruler or tetrarch of the region of Galilee, has heard of Him.  The subsequent text in today's reading is given as a flashback, teaching us why Herod fears that Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead, and Christ's marvelous works are due to "these powers . . . at work in him."  John the Baptist had performed no miracles, but now Herod believes he is risen from the dead; my study Bible comments that Herod thus fears John more dead than alive.

For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."  And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."  And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.  So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.  Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.  The account of John's death is given parenthetically, explaining how John died so that the hearers of the Gospel would understand why Herod would think that John had risen from the dead.  My study Bible comments on the fact that Herod, with all of his wealth and soldiers, feared to put John to death.  Although John was a man who lived in poverty and was clothed in camel's hair (Matthew 3:4), this is a testament both to the power of personal holiness and integrity, and to the multitude's perception of John, for they held him in the highest esteem (Matthew 21:26).  

If we look at the character of Herod, we see in him personified a type of immature individual, one who is specifically spiritually immature, but exemplary of what we don't want to be as a fully mature person.  He has a spoiled type of persona, as one who is used to getting what he demands.  In the times we read that he has John the Baptist in custody (Mark 6:20), and also when Christ is given into his custody by Pilate (Luke 23:7-12),  Herod seems to take a kind of delight in them as conspicuous objects of curiosity.  He wants to see a miracle performed by Jesus.  He listens to John both in a kind of fearful and also fascinated way.  He knows the responses both John and Jesus excite in the people, and for him they almost seem like objects in a zoo, something that comes into his possession and which he seeks to observe.  But for him, faith doesn't come into it, nor does spiritual understanding of the power of holiness.  There is only fear as a response to what he perceives to be powers at work.  As we can read from the pathetic story of John's death, Herod is a man who uses wealth and power to indulge himself, and therefore we find a root of selfishness or self-centeredness as motivation in what he does.  He doesn't seem to understand much else, although he delights in the dancing of Herodias' daughter.  His response is foolish at best; as one who indulges in his own exuberances, he rashly promises her on an oath anything she desires.  Let's keep in mind this is done before those of great importance in his kingdom; Mark's Gospel tells us he gave a banquet on his birthday for the nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee (Mark 6:21).   Herod's rash and foolish behavior gives us a sense of a person without much discipline, who has not developed a sense of integrity in a spiritual or moral sense.  Moreover, we should understand that the dancing of Herodias' daughter before him and the rest of the company present would be seen as scandalous and unthinkable to the earliest hearers of the Gospel, inciting lust for the girl in a culture where the modesty of women was not simply important but also necessary for protection.  So overall we're given a picture of great indulgence, a sign of immaturity and lacking of spiritual discipline and discernment -- and resulting in a terrible tragedy which Herod most likely cannot calculate or appreciate except in terms of his fear of John risen from the dead in Jesus.  Herod is a picture of what spiritual discipline is meant to tame, and spiritual virtue meant to balance and cultivate a response to so that we become truly "great" human beings.  He is a slave to his own passions, whether that be for Herodias, or ambition, or power, or swearing a rash oath before the others there.  He indulges himself when he would be better off not doing so, but only because he can.  He is a picture of what great wealth or power can do to us when we have no development of  personal maturity and integrity to fall back upon to guide us.  In short, he seems to be one of the figures given to us in the Gospels as a cautionary example, and in great contrast to the sacrificial elements which are notable in the lives of the holy people we read about.  John the Baptist, Jesus, and all of the apostles and other followers such as the women who support Christ's ministry are those who are willing to make sacrifices for something greater than merely what they can grasp as material gain in life, and consequently possess something far greater and contribute to what is truly good in the world.  There are other Gentile examples as well, such as the centurion who shows great faith in Christ (Matthew 8:10), and the Samaritan woman to whom He reveals Himself (John 4:39-42).  But Herod creates disaster, and will go on to do the same for himself in the end, if we read about the subsequent histories of Herod and Herodias.  If we look around ourselves, at the present time we live in a world of great potential prosperity.  We can watch films or see popular culture in which self-indulgence seems to be the marvel of the day:  those with great wealth and power can impress with clothing, homes, possessions of every kind, and where fame is also a commodity in and of itself.  These things, true to Christ's teachings, present great temptations for those who have no commitments beyond self-centeredness.  They often enable a type of self-destruction, whether that takes the shape of obvious things like destroyed relationships, addictions of any kinds, or harmful behaviors that contribute negatively to the society in their impact and influence, including violence and abuse of others.  If we look with the eyes of Scripture, we understand that what Jesus and the other holy figures in Scripture offer are a way forward to building a good life within good contribution to community and to our world -- as well as a secure life built on a foundation of integrity and strength (Matthew 7:24).  To live merely through self-indulgence might be a dream on offer to us in a culture which excels at creating material wealth and products which please the appetites, for good or bad.  But without the maturity of an internal spiritual discipline we lose integrity and discernment in how to use the good things and blessings of our world, the products of our intelligence, and possibilities of creativity.  Let us understand the strength of the spiritual life, and the maturity and fullness it offers to us in terms of shaping persona and integrity.  We can look at Herod and those like him as clues to the things that ail us.

 

 

So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"

 

 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known.  And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"  For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.  Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.  Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."  He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"  Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.  And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

 

- Mark 6:14–29 

 

On Saturday we read that Jesus went out from Capernaum and came to His own country of Nazareth, and His disciples followed Him.  And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue.  And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things?  And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."  Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And He marveled because of their unbelief.  Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.  And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.  He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts -- but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.  Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.  And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.  Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"  So they went out and preached that people should repent.  And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

 

 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known.  And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"   This King Herod is Herod Antipas, the son of the King Herod who slew the infants in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:16).  Although he was technically a Roman governor (or tetrarch) over the region of Galilee, he was popularly called King, my study Bible reminds us.  He knows that John the Baptist had worked no miracles while living, so now he believes that John was raised from the dead, thinking powers are at work in him.  Thus, my study Bible concludes, he fears John more dead than alive.  Elijah was expected to return and work signs before the second coming of the Lord (Malachi 4:5).  The Prophet is understood by some to refer to the Messiah, the One foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).  Others interpret this as simply meaning a new prophet had arisen.

 

 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.  Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.  The text begins the explanation of John's death, so that readers will understand why Herod would think that John was risen from the dead, and working through Jesus.  My study Bible asks us to note that Herod, with his wealth and soldiers, feared John, who lived in poverty and was clothed in camel's hair (Mark 1:6).  This is a testament to both the power of personal holiness and integrity, and also to the people's perception of John, who was held in the highest esteem as a just and holy man and prophet (Mark 11:32).  Somewhat similarly to the way he will respond to Jesus when He was taken into Herod's custody (see Luke 23:6-12), Herod takes a kind of delight in listening to John, as if he is a rare marvel held in captivity.

Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."  He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"  Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.  And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.  Here is the parenthetical "backstory" that explains Herod's fear that in Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead, whose powers are at work.  We can note the lawlessness and scandal of Herod's court, especially from the perspective of the Jews whom he ruled, for whom allowing a daughter to dance at such an affair and before the men of court would be unthinkable. The fact that Herod swore a very rash oath tells us about his character, and his fear of losing face in front of the nobles, high officers, and chief men of Galilee.   Herodias' advice to her daughter in asking for a "gift" speaks for itself of a thoroughly selfish lust for personal material power and the bloody violence that goes with it.  

 

 What can we make of Herodias' advice to her daughter, to ask for John the Baptist's head on a platter?  Certainly we can see how self-serving it is, how thoroughly selfish and driven this woman is in her quest for power.  She's married Herod as a gambit to "trade up" for power, even while her first husband, his brother, is still living, something entirely scandalous to the Jews, and proclaimed to be unlawful by John the Baptist (and historian Josephus as well).  This struggle over what is lawful and what is abhorrent to the Jews is at the center of the story; although raised as a Jew, we can see what is scandalous to the Jews in Herod's court and his manner.  It reminds us of Christ's words to the disciples regarding power:  "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them" (Mark 10:42).  This story is a prime example of the power to "lord it over" others, and the outcomes where this quest for power means everything.  It is a story in a microcosm about the breakdown of decency where struggle and competition for power form the basis for relations, even a relation between daughter and mother.  This is a mother who allowed her daughter to dance before the men at the court in a manner scandalous to the people of her time, and who advises her daughter -- who could have asked for any good thing for herself -- to ask for John the Baptist's head.  Let us note how one generation succeeds another continuing in the same bad direction:  the girl takes this one step further, and proclaims she wants John the Baptist's head on a platter, as if it is another splendid dish on display at Herod's birthday party, a prize that tops off the rest of the banquet.  Indeed, it then becomes a gift which the girl bestows upon her mother.  One would not be surprised if that was considered, in this family setting, a gift of love and loyalty from daughter to mother!  This holy and revered prophet's head on a platter gives us an idea of the depths to which we human beings can fall without a sense of how God wants us to live,  a visceral reminder of where a pure quest for power leads.  It reminds us of the corruption that can pervade the most sacred or intimate relations within a family, and that there isn't really a place where we don't need to remember God first, and remind ourselves what we are to be about.  Life will not simply take care of itself; it is we who need to take care of life and understand how we are to live it, what we respect, and how we are to serve what is good and true.  Indeed, if we look at the life of Herodias herself, we see that this marriage with Herod Antipas resulted in a disastrous war and exile for both of them.  I have heard on occasion priests and other Christian writers refer to what they call "familyolatry."  Many of us want to see family as something sacred in and of itself, but one look at the family of Herod the Great and its bloody history of internecine murder and scheming between even the closest of blood ties should tell us how wrong it is to assume that simply of itself, family is incorruptible.  Apart from faith in the good and a life lived in this consciousness, there is nothing that keeps us truly "civilized" and from breaking down into the worst effects of selfishness and abuse.  As those who are faithful to God, we can look at Scripture in both Old and New Testaments and must be aware of what we see there.  We are not presented with a world without problems, but a world in which it is up to us to remain salt and light, and be vigilant in remembering what we are to be about, despite what we might see others doing.  Indeed, without this effort, we may lose even what we think we have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him

St. John the Baptist icon. St. George Greek Orthodox Church, rebuilt late 1800s.  Madaba, Jordan

 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."  And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."  And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.  So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.  Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

- Matthew 14:1-12

Yesterday we read that when Jesus had finished teaching parables we read in chapter 13,  He departed from there.  When He had come into His own country of Nazareth, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  Is this not the carpenter's son?  Is not His mother called Mary?  And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?  And His sisters, are they not all with us?  Where then did this Man get all these things?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house."  Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."  And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."  And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.  So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.  Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.  The story of the death of John the Baptist is given parenthetically in the Gospels; that is, it's a type of flashback, because it is given as explanation for why Herod believes that Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead.  It gives us a picture of Herod's dread, and assumption of why such power is at work in Jesus.  My study bible adds that in the tradition of the Church, John's martyrdom allowed the coming of the Messiah to be announced to the souls in Hades.  John is therefore Forerunner (his title in the Church) not only to Christ on earth, but also to all souls who came before.   John is also seen as a defender of marriage.  This story about John tells us of the great esteem in which the people held him, believing that he was a prophet and holy man.

In this story of the beheading of John, we're given a glimpse into the life of the palace of King Herod.  This Herod is Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great.  While Herod the Great ruled Judea for Rome, and was known as both ruthless tyrant (in a world in which rulers were known for their harshness, Herod stood out), and also a great builder, whose projects included the magnificent second temple.  Herod the Great was the king who slew the infants of Bethlehem.  Herod Antipas is his son, who is known as the tetrarch of Galilee, Jesus' home territory.  For those of the early Church, and the Jews of the time of Jesus, the story of Herod Antipas is quite shocking.  First of all, to ask a daughter to dance before men is already an insult to the contemporary importance of modesty, just as under particular circumstances it could also be to us today.  It is at once an indication of the excesses of this court.  Herod is married to his living brother's wife, which was a violation of Jewish laws of marriage.  (The contemporary historian Josephus writes that she violated Jewish law by divorcing her first husband; possible for a Roman woman, but not legal for a woman under Jewish law.)   Her daughter, who dances before the guests at this birthday party, is from her first marriage.   John's denunciation of this violation of the law is the reason why he was imprisoned in the first place, at the behest of Herodias.  Herodias herself was equally ambitious for power and position as any other figure of the time.    Their marriage would spark a war for political reasons that was disastrous for them.  Eventually both Herod and Herodias were sent to Gaul in exile.  But the events described in today's reading give us a sense of the selfishness that categorizes these royals:  all Herodias cares about is ridding herself of John the Baptist, the daughter's dance prompts a lavish and rash promise of whatever goods she wants, the daughter is manipulated by her mother into a horrific bargain for the head of a prophet and holy man.  It culminates in the gruesome image of John's head brought in on a platter at this birthday party, and given to the girl, who then gives it to her mother.  It is an absolute picture of selfishness, which the Gospel ultimately connects the worst sort of violence and murder.  Here we come to an important understanding of our faith:  while Christ's death on the Cross is the ultimate unselfish act, the greatest sacrifice made from love, the lives of Herod and Herodias resemble the worst excesses of selfishness, self-centeredness.  John the Baptist also has lived his life for God; he will be the model for the Christian monastics to come.  Ultimately, we can see in these figures a basic understanding of our faith.  We live in a world dominated by violence sparked from selfishness, for which the antidote is a life in which we seek to love God with all our heart and soul and strength, and neighbor as oneself (see 22:35-40).  The lives of John the Baptist and Jesus give us examples of those who lived such teachings to the fullest, as events unfolded for each, and we are to do likewise, with God's help.   In a world in which so much is offered to us through commerce, entertainment, and advertising, we may be tempted to feel that a life of selfish excess is not only a worthwhile goal, but one which the world chases around us.  In truth, our faith asks us to live differently, and not to go along with the easy lure of selfishness as a guide to happiness.  Just as that life gave no peace nor happiness to Herod or Herodias, so we also seek something wiser and better.  We hold to our faith to bring us a better life, one in which we have the peace of knowing and understanding that we are loved and we love in return, and that we have something more meaningful and better to live for.  Through our faith, we may consider that we live for a truly better world, in which we may leave traces of that love which God gives to us first, and asks us to return.  Whatever form the questions of your life take, consider this difference.  Look around at the violence in our own contemporary world, and consider where it comes from.  If we think today we are in any less of a struggle than the world into which Christ was born, we are mistaken.  Our mission, following Him, is as essential to this world as ever.  His struggle remains, and He asks us to join Him.   In the icon above, we read the story of John.  He's titled "Forerunner" for his message of preparation for the Messiah.  He holds his head on a platter, and a scroll upon which is his message of repentance (3:2).  He has wings like an angel, as John was the messenger of Christ, and the Greek word for angel (αγγελος/angelos) means "messenger."

I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter

Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known.  And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"  For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.  Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."  He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"  Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.  And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb. 

- Mark 6:14-29

On Saturday we read that Jesus went out from Capernaum and came to His own country of Nazareth, and His disciples followed Him.  And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue.  And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things?  And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."  Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And He marveled because of their unbelief.  Then He went about the villages in a  circuit, teaching.   And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.  He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts -- but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.  Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.  And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.  Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"  So they went out and preached that people should repent.  And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known.  And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."   King Herod is the son of Herod the Great (who slew the innocent infants of Bethlehem in Matthew 2:16).  Also known as Herod Antipas, he was technically a governor, or tetrarch of Galilee for Rome, but popularly called king.  My study bible suggests that he knows that John the Baptist performed no miracles while living, but now believes that John was raised from the dead (verse 16), and so powers are at work in him.  Therefore, my study bible points out, Herod fears John more dead than alive.

Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  Elijah was expected to return and work signs before the coming of the Lord, in accordance with the prophecy of Malachi 4:5.  The Prophet, my study bible says, is interpreted by some to be a reference to the Messiah, the One which was foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).  Others interpret this to mean that a new prophet had arisen.

But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"  For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.  Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.   The incident described in today's passage, the beheading of John the Baptist by Herod, is given as a parenthetical statement, a kind of flashback which explains to us Herod's fear that Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead.  While John still lived, he was widely revered as a holy man and prophet, and therefore his outspoken criticism of the marriage of Herod meant something among the people.  My study bible comments on the fact that Herod, with all of his wealth, position, and soldiers, feared John, who was a man who lived in total poverty and was clothed in camel's hair (1:6), is a testament both to the power of personal holiness and integrity, and also to the people's perception of John, as they held him in the highest esteem (11:32).  John criticizes the marriage of Herod to his brother's former wife Herodias as counter to the Mosaic Law, as his brother was still living.

Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."  He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"  Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.  And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.  The opportune day is for Herodias, who has desired to rid herself of John the Baptist.  Note how the king, Herod, is trapped by his surroundings, his excesses, his passions, and finally even this girl (the daughter of Herodias) -- even though he is exceedingly sorry.  It reminds us that Jesus taught, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin" (John 8:34; see also Romans 6:5-23).

We might be wise to consider how shocking this story would have been to a contemporary audience of Christ, in ways that go beyond its obviously hideous dimensions to us.  The fact that Herod and Herodias would allow a daughter to dance before other men would have been considered in and of itself a terrible breach of socially appropriate modesty, and a shocking lack of parental protection for the girl.  In every way, the court of Herod represents scandalous excess.  Although nominally Jewish, it is a sign of the decadence of Rome, and more specifically the corruption of wealth and power as opposed to the holy poverty and personal integrity of John the Baptist.  But there are other, more subtle things going on here.  As this story is given parenthetically, it explains Herod's fear that John has returned from the dead, and that this is the power at work in Christ's ministry of signs.  We first of all should notice the tremendous fears at work in Herod.  He is slavishly fearful of what his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee will think if he goes back upon an oath he swore in front of them to the daughter of Herodias.  Even while John still lived, Herod feared his holiness -- just as those who raised the swine in the story of the Gadarene demoniac feared Christ's power rather than welcoming the healing they witnessed.  After John has been beheaded, Herod still fears that the Baptist has returned from the dead, and therefore this power is at work in the ministry of Christ.  All in all, it is a picture of excess and error, strange heresy and total lack of understanding of the things of faith and spiritual truth.  There is more than a mere sign of true guilt at work in Herod as well; although he was exceedingly sorry to do so, because of his own rash oath he has John beheaded, and certainly this is now at work in him -- but he has no recourse and no spiritual depth to illuminate his own blindness.  The hideous image of John's head served on a platter is enough to tell us of the lust for power in Herod's wife Herodias.  It must be, for her, one more decorative sign of her power, a triumph.  John is one who said "no" to her ambition and desire.  These things depict a corruption that is perversion, a court gone haywire in its material greed and lust for excess of every kind.  But even though the picture is stark and extreme, we should take it as a warning about our own capacity for materialism.  We in the West live in a time of great prosperity.  If we don't understand that "every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17),  then we so easily lose sight of how to steward those gifts, what to do with the lives we have been given and the blessings we have received.  When we fail to understand a sacramental life, one in which we return all things to Creator for guidance and blessing in how we are to live our lives and use what we have at hand, then we fail to put ourselves, our gifts, our lives, our own power -- such as it is -- in true order.  It also teaches us the danger of heresy, false teachings that give us only a sense of entitlement and take away all sense of being grateful or thankful for what we have.  It is gratitude that puts us in the place of clarity about our possessions and blessings, gratitude that keeps a clear mind that nothing truly belongs to us absolutely, but that it is only in the hands of God and guidance through faith that we find the personal integrity to be good stewards and shepherds in the image of Christ.  A child is a blessing:  Herodias' daughter is indulged, misguided (to say the least), exploited, and finally an instrument of the greatest horror -- the murder of John, the holy man of Israel.  It is only gratitude for what we have that teaches us what we would today call "good boundaries," the right care for all blessings including children, and a sacramental, prayerful life in which we return all to Creator in order to find our way to cultivate the true goodness and beauty of the world -- to bring out its fruitfulness and make all things bloom.  We seek holiness in order to live our best lives.  Herod's court is a picture of the greed of material gain, a life lived as if everything is simply one more thing to grasp as a personal possession, something that flatters our image of ourselves.  This includes our attitude toward spiritual truth:  nobody has a monopoly.  The Holy Spirit is the wind that blows where it wishes, and we do not control it (John 3:5-8).   John's poverty is a reflection of his radical commitment to that Spirit and where it would lead him in his love for God.  Let us consider our own choices and needs as human beings who need faith to guide us.  The real question is how aware of that need we truly are -- and what integrity means to us.  The Gospels give us examples of those who are blind to this.  Herod comes from a family known for its ruthless use of power, in a time when ruthlessness was expected of the powerful.  But he shows for us an image of the corrupt soul that knows only fear and excess, whose deeds further commit his spirit only to slavish fear and personal destruction.  Let us know and love God and take our strength in understanding and gratitude for God's love for us.

Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter

 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."  And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."  And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.  So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.  Then his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

- Matthew 14:1-12

Yesterday we read that when Jesus had finished teaching in parables, He departed from there.  When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  Is this not the carpenter's son?  Is not His mother called Mary?  And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?  And His sisters, are they not all with us?  Where then did this Man get all these things?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house."  Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."  And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.  But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."  And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.  So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.  Then his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.  The story of the beheading of John the Baptist is given parenthetically, so that we as readers might understand Herod's feelings in response to Jesus' ministry.  Herod fears Jesus' power, that John is risen from the dead.  It is another dimension of holy power.  When John was alive, Herod feared both John (Mark 6:20) and also the people (as Matthew's account tells us), because John was widely held to be a prophet.  It is a testament, my study bible says, both to the power of personal holiness and integrity, in addition to the people's perception of John who was held in the highest esteem.  In some sense we must understand, John, in his criticism of Herod and Herodias' marriage, speaks for the people.  He speaks for their faith.

It is a sad and pathetic thing that John the Baptist died at the hands of Herod over a seemingly trivial affair:  the dance of Herodias' daughter.   It's a flimsy pretext over which to commit a grave execution of this greatest of prophets.  It tells us something about the foolishness of oaths.  This is a subject we may not take very seriously in the modern world.  Politicians in modern democracies have a reputation of breaking promises -- saying one thing and doing another, or perhaps saying opposite things from one day to the next.  As such, truth becomes a rare and precious commodity on ever more profound levels.  Jesus has preached specifically against the practice of oaths in the Sermon on the Mount, and especially about the power of personal integrity (5:34-37).  In today's reading, we are given to understand the rash character of Herod's oath to Herodias' daughter in front of his nobles and other important people of his kingdom.  How is his power used?  In what service?  Ultimately it is the king himself who is used by Herodias to achieve her own power-hungry ends.  All of it can be characterized by thoughtlessness and the selfish desire for gain.    The story presents us with the contrast between a self-centered drive for social and political power and those who serve God.  First and foremost, John's ministry was an expression of total devotion to God.  His radical humility was in stark contrast to the sumptuous and self-indulgent court of Herod and Herodias.  Herodias' daughter's dance itself would have been shocking for the religious and social customs of the time concerning young women and protection of their modesty.  Again, a stark contrast to the disciplined ascetic figure of John and his disciples.  This story presents us today with a choice in our own time which has been accustomed to the pursuit of power or social status and a question about our own gratification in life.    What do we live for?  What do we serve?  Moreover, we are asked to consider John's death as a martyr.  The holy is trampled upon so easily by ignorance, selfishness, even this ugly, lurid picture of self-indulgence.  Does this in any way diminish John?  Would it diminish you or I should we choose to be as devoted to God as John's example?  These are all questions we are still asked to consider for our own lives in modern times.  How precious is your personal integrity?  What does it call you to do?  How does it call you to live?  Don't let the pettiness and selfishness and even the focus on triviality of the world get in the way of living as we're called to live.  There is so much more to life than even kings have found to live for.

I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter

 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known.  And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"  For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.  Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."  He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"  Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.  And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

- Mark 6:13-29

 Yesterday we read that Jesus went out from Capernaum and came to His own country of Nazareth, and His disciples followed Him.  And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue.  And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things?  And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."  Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And He marveled because of their unbelief.  Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.  And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.  He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts -- but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.  Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.  And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.  Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"  So they went out and preached that people should repent.  And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.  This final verse from yesterday's reading reminds us that Jesus has sent out the apostles on their first mission.  Its success tells us that Christ's name is spreading among the people.

Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known.  And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."  Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"  My study bible points out that Herod actually fears John more dead than alive.  At this point, hearing news about Jesus' disciples, Herod decides that John has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.  Herod is Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great who slew the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).  He's popularly called king, but he's technically the governor (tetrarch) of the territory which included Galilee under the Romans.   The text also gives us popular reactions of the people to Jesus, so we have a sense of the atmosphere created by His mission.  Elijah was expected to return and work signs before the second coming of the Lord (Malachi 4:5).  The Prophet is interpreted by some to be a reference to the Messiah, foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).  Others understand it to mean that a new prophet had arisen. 

For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.  Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.   Mark gives us the background of Herod's encounters with John the Baptist in a flashback, explaining Herod's current unease at the effects of Jesus' ministry, and why he would think that John had risen from the dead.  John had been put into prison because he publicly opposed Herod's marriage to Herodias.  She had been married to his brother Philip, and his brother was still living, so the marriage was in violation of Jewish law.  My study bible suggests that the fact that Herod, with his wealth and soldiers, feared John, a man who lived in poverty and was clothed in camel's hair (1:6), is a testament both to the power of personal holiness and integrity, and also to the people's perception of John, for they held him in the highest esteem (11:32). 

Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."  He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"  Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.  And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb. The Gospel gives us a picture of the court of Herod, and the ruling house of those who governed.   Herod the Great, the father of Herod Antipas, was one of the most renowned rulers of the ancient world.  He was also known as Herod the Builder.  His greatest achievement was the majestic restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem.   But he was also known -- in a world where power was used brutally -- as an exceptionally cruel ruler.  

In the Gospels, the state power is always in conflict with the power of holiness.  Material expediency isn't what is important to Christ; His mission is the fulfillment of the will of God the Father, and His method is love and compassion.  He does not amass an army to do His bidding.  John the Baptist also, as an example of holy power, acts as a prophet, speaking up for religious tradition of the Jews when violated by Herod.  The whole tone of the house of Herod can be seen in this episode recounted in which Herodias' daughter danced for all those present, and was taught by her mother to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.  For contemporary hearers, it no doubt gave a sense of the great impropriety of asking a daughter to dance in front of strangers, and teaching and celebrating immodest behavior on her part.  It gives us a good picture of the lust for power and rage present in Herodias, and what the king himself is willing to sacrifice simply because he'd made an oath.  The text tells us explicitly that Herod was aware that John was a just and holy man, that he had earlier sought to protect John, and was "exceedingly sorry" to carry out the execution -- but does so anyway.  We contrast the environment of the house of Herod and Herodias with the moral rectitude of John the Baptist.  He's an example of what is now popularly called "speaking truth to power."   He was also speaking for the Jewish people when doing so.  Although the family of Herod the Great were nominally Jewish and made a show of celebrating Jewish religious holidays, they ruled under Rome.  Most of those attending his party are also most likely Jewish, various men of importance in the region and those who are allied with him.  Hidden in the story therefore is an important implied question:  What does it mean to be a Jew?  While most of us today reading this Gospel text may not find that question uppermost in our minds, it nevertheless by just the same token asks us, "What does it mean to be a Christian?"   Both can be summed up by asking us what it means to follow the path to God.  Most ancient commentators focus on the slippery slope of the passions on display in this story:  the persuasion of immodesty for a daughter, the rage and lust for power of the mother, Herod's vain swearing of an oath in front of all -- and his inability to turn back from it.  (We compare this to David's gratitude that he did not fulfill a foolish oath; see 1 Samuel 25:21-35.)   Herod's fears reveal much about his guilt, but he lacks repentance. Historically, Herod and Herodias, for all their ambition, came only to exile. Others focus, by contrast, on the true freedom of John the Baptist.  Tertullian writes, "Set aside for a moment the term 'prison.' Just call it a temporary retirement. Even though the body is imprisoned, even though the flesh is confined, everything still remains open to the spirit. Walk back and forth, my spirit, not thinking of shady walks or long cloisters, but of the road that leads directly to God. As often as you shall walk in this way in the spirit, so often shall you find yourself not in prison."  While Herod and those around him are slaves to their passions, it is John the Baptist who remains free, even in martyrdom.   It is a crucial perspective to add to our modern lives.  What are we free for?  What claims us?  What enslaves us?  What would we exchange for our own integrity in the love of God?  How free are we to live our faith?   These are all important questions whenever we have choices to make, and need to consider goals for our life.   Lent is precisely the time to examine motivations, and develop our capacity for saying no to things that won't lead us where we want to go.