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 Philips'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 it came to pass, when Jesus had finished teaching His parables (see Matthew 13:1-52), that 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."   We know by now that the Pharisees and scribes have begun to plot how to destroy Jesus (see, for example, this reading).  Yesterday's reading (above) gave us the understanding of Christ's rejection in His hometown of Nazareth.  But here the Gospel begins to let us know of the powerful state of Rome now taking an interest in Jesus, and fearing Him.  Herod has heard of Christ's "mighty works" and His wisdom, and his fear is that Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead -- and that this is why 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 Philips'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.     This account of the beheading and death of John the Baptist is given as a kind of parenthetical story, to explain to us why Herod fears so strongly that Jesus is John the Baptist returned from the dead with fearsome powers.  This Herod is Herod Antipas, ruler or tetrarch of Galilee.  John the Baptist had criticized his marriage to Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, while his brother was still living, by saying it was not in compliance with Jewish law.  So Herod had put John in prison.  Note all the fears of Herod:  he feared the multitude, because they counted John 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.  Note this story about the death of John the Baptist.  It is a festive occasion, Herod's birthday.   The daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.  For the Jews, such a public act by a daughter before a court of men would have been scandalous to begin with.  But Herod is carried away by his passions, and promised even with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  Of course, the daughter turns to her mother, (likely the one who prompted her to dance to please the king in the first place) who schools her in the ways of corruption and political scheming.  "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter" is her request.  Although the king has enough awareness to be sorry (after all, he is at least nominally meant to be a Jew and was raised as such), because of his oath and because of those who sat with him (the "great men" of Galilee), he sent and had John beheaded in prison.  

The story in today's reading comes with a very sobering two-point conclusion:  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.  There is first of all the extreme corruption of the court, of the court of Herod who ruled for Rome.  The family of Herod the Great (Antipas' father) and his descendants was known for its ruthlessness even in comparison with his counterparts of the time.  We can see what a "bloodthirsty" story is written here, an almost sickening example of a daughter's pleasing gift to her mother.  But we must take it in light of the reading from yesterday, in which Jesus taught that "a prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house" (see above).  For the story of John the Baptist is a story of another prophet -- the last and greatest in the line of the Old Testament prophets -- who has died for telling the truth, for his holiness, for "speaking truth to power" as a by-now familiar modern slogan goes.  The truth of John the Baptist was his identity as the friend of the Bridegroom, who rejoiced to hear the Bridegroom's voice, and who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah/Bridegroom, teaching the people to prepare with repentance.  In this story juxtaposed with that understanding we are perhaps given yet another picture in the gospel of what it means not to repent.  This final conclusion is one more downward step in a march further and further into corruption.  Even Herod himself is sorry to kill John -- and we can read the outcome in his paranoid fears (and lack of spiritual understanding) about Jesus.  The actions at Herod's court go from bad to worse, and they reflect specific things Jesus has taught against in the Sermon on the Mount.  There is first of all the lasciviousness of the court hinted at in this dance of the daughter (Matthew 5:28).  Modern eyes and ears may not understand this well, but we perhaps should not read this story as if what was impressive was her formal dance training or creativity.  She stirs the passions so that Herod lavishly bestows a rash gift -- together with an oath (see Matthew 5:33-37).  He is afraid to take back his words in front of the other important men of his kingdom who attend, and so displays another quality frowned on by Christ, the love of the praise of others over the praise of God (John 12:42-43).  Finally, the disciples of John come to take his body to bury it, and to tell Jesus.  But at this sad conclusion we should turn our attention to the perspective of our faith.  For we have recently read of Christ's strong praise of John (while he was in prison), and His defense of John as well (see Matthew 11:1-24).   John the Baptist wears the crown of Christian martyrdom, but there is more to his story from the perspective of the Church.  In the tradition of the Church, John's martyrdom is seen as yet another part of God's plan for salvation.  For not only did John prepare the world for the Incarnate Christ, the Messiah, but his martyrdom allowed the coming of the Messiah to be announced to the souls in Hades.  Therefore, in the eyes of the Church, John is forerunner to Christ there as well as on earth.  My study Bible quotes a hymn from St. John's feast day:  "Your tongue, which constantly speaks of God, has preceded Christ into death and is sent to preach Him to those in Hades."   Moreover, John's life is a testimony to the power of personal holiness and integrity, as my study Bible says.  For John, who lived in poverty and was clothed in camel's hair (Mark 1:6), is feared by Herod with all his wealth and soldiers -- as well as the highest esteem in which the people held John.  Even after his death, John continues to be feared by Herod.  Let us consider, then, these stark choices between the realities of the material world, on "worldly" terms, and the reality of the Kingdom and its holiness for us.  For it is surprising how much the world, despite our easy lack of perception and understanding, really is affected by the holy power that is at work behind all things, and does permeate the creation of the world.  Let us consider John's life and what it meant to the future of the world, to the faith given to the world through Christ, and in the power of the faith we are given today.

 

 

 

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 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 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, among his own relatives, and in his own house."  Now He could do not might 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 verse was also included in yesterday's reading; as noted there my study Bible comments that to anoint the sick with oil has not only medicinal value but also sacramental.  God' healing power is bestowed through creation, and there are various examples of such throughout Scripture (Mark 5:27; Numbers 21:8-9; 2 Kings 13:21; John 9:6-7; Acts 5:15, 19:1-12).  In such a way, oil is also a vehicle of God's mercy and healing in the Church (James 5:14).  This verse, however, seems to be included with today's reading so that we understand the one that follows.  The disciples' successful first apostolic journey, manifesting the casting out of demons and healing via Christ's shared power, sets the context in which Herod has become aware of Jesus.

 

 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."   This King Herod is Herod Antipas, the son of the one who killed the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).  Although technically a governor, my study Bible says, he was popularly called king.  Although he knows that St. John the Baptist worked no miracles while living, Herod now believes that John has been raised from the dead, and the things happening in Christ's ministry are powers at work in him.  Therefore, my study Bible points out, he fears St. John the Baptist more dead than alive.  

Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."  These are still references to the observed power at work in Christ's ministry.  Elijah was expected to return and to work signs before the 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).  But others interpret it as meaning simply 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 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.  My study Bible explains that this account of the death of St. John the Baptist is given parenthetically.  That is so that readers will understand that his earlier death has resulted in Herod thinking that John had risen from the dead. 

 

 There is a lot to "unpack" in today's reading.  It's most interesting in terms of what we might observe about Herod Antipas, and in fact, about the whole lineage of Herod the Great.  This was a family known for its bloodthirsty practices even in a time when ruthless power and ambition were something normal for rulers.  We already know of Herod the Great (Herod Antipas' father) and his slaughter of the innocents of Bethlehem, and we can learn something from it to give us insight into what we read here of the behavior in Herod Antipas' court.  First let us understand that Herod Antipas in today's story is the ruler of Galilee, and that he rules for Rome.  His brothers ruled other provinces of Israel.  We first note that Herod begins to become suspicious and even paranoid as he makes note of the "powers at work" in the apostles and generally speaking in the ministry of Christ.  As he is a king who serves Rome, part of a family of ruthless rulers who killed their own family members for power, he is always going to be alert for any other sources of power, or people who seem to wield power in his jurisdiction.  Like his father, who killed the infants of Bethlehem out of jealous protection of his own power when he heard about the birth of Christ, Herod Antipas also is going to jealously guard power and authority.  This will also extend to a desire to control whatever is of worth in the province, including those who are influential.  St. John the Baptist himself was a highly influential figure in his time, as he was popular with the people and widely seen as a holy man.  So, when John the Baptist denounced the marriage of Herod and Herodias, as she had been married to his brother and the brother was still living, this is perceived as a threat.  According to this story, it is particularly the ambitious Herodias who hates the Baptist for this, as John has suggested their marriage is not lawful.   Subsequent actions of this particular king and queen reveal their historical (and eventually, failed) ambitions, ending in exile.  But for now let us focus on the story, because it exposes all the unleashed and unregulated desires of this court.  To have a daughter dance before powerful men would have been scandalous to the Jews in the first place, and yet this is fine for Herodias.  It is also used as part of her scheming ambition.  Such is the hatred of Herodias for John that she wanted to kill him.  But Herod himself is a little more sophisticated with regard to the power of holiness, in the sense that he understands John is something special and different, set apart.  Herod knew enough so that he feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.  Moreover, John must have obliged somewhat the king's curiosity and possible desire to learn from him, because when he heard John, John did many things, and Herod heard him gladly.  But this is Herod's birthday, and he's in an expansive mood.  He gave a feast on his birthday for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.  He's so carried away by the dancing of Herodias' daughter in front of himself and all of these important men of his kingdom, that he swears to her a rash oath:  "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."  There is a reason why this proves to be an opportune day as the Evangelist describes it.  Herod is vulnerable to his passions and has let them get the better of him; Herodias has understood this and will make the most of it.  She eagerly advises her daughter, who has such little sense of herself that she must ask her mother what to request.  Herodias has a ready answer for the daughter who seems merely an extension of herself:  "The head of John the Baptist!" Her daughter takes this vivid and bloodthirsty sense yet another step further:  "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."   It's seems an illustration of the principle behind Jesus' indictment of the scribes and Pharisees:  "For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves " (Matthew 23:15).  Although Herod is exceedingly sorry, He does not have the courage nor the discipline to stand up to the pressures of the court.  So, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.  It's in some way reminiscent of St. Peter's collapse of nerve before a servant girl when he denies Christ three times (Luke 22:55-62).  So in Herod's court, and in his conduct, we see the excesses of extreme passion:  ruthless ambition, a lack of all proper respect for boundaries (including the protection both of holiness and of human life), an inability to "lose face" in front of the great men of his court, a young girl's seductive dance.  All of these are antithetical to traditional Christian values of discipleship, and the point of seeking self-mastery in the disciplines of the church, including the ability to be humble, to "bear a little shame," in the words of one Orthodox priest who writes authoritatively on that subject (see this book by Fr. Stephen Freeman).  Herod has no self-control, even though he has some kind of awareness of holy power; he has no ability to say no in these circumstances.  And there, we come to the traditional practices of Lent (fasting, almsgiving, prayer), and their aim to help us to develop greater spiritual self-discipline -- and especially a greater detachment from our passions.  Every indulgence is here, and so are the bloodthirsty and deeply unjust results.  Note this is especially true of the lack of respect for innocence, whether it be of a child (Herodias' daughter) or of the holy man and prophet, St. John the Baptist.  The other sense of "appetite" at play here is the desire to claim more power.  There are two types of power at work to contrast:  the holy power of Christ's ministry including now in His apostles and that of St. John the Baptist, and the material power of Herod and the rest of his court.   We have recently been given to understand the response of Christ's neighbors from His hometown to the abilities He expresses; they both marveled and were offended (see yesterday's reading, above).  John's holy power elicits similar responses:  Herod marvels over his prisoner and has a curiosity as if examining a rare jewel or delightful new discovery, but Herodias is deeply offended and envious of St. John's capacity to limit her ambitions and material power.  Here we meet with the force of envy that will be the ultimate culprit in the desire to murder Jesus (Matthew 27:17-18).  For a holy power such as the one that works in Christ's ministry is not to be owned nor controlled nor limited by anybody; neither can it be harnessed for an exploitable outcome or end.  This holiness may, in fact, touch any of our lives.  But it will be up to us to either receive it and follow where it leads us, or we will stumble in the attempt to exploit it and use it.  Let us consider how priceless the gift of grace, and how we so easily stumble, as the Scriptures teach us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 em, 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 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.  Today's passage begins with the last verse from yesterday's reading.  It reminds us of the work the apostles did as they were sent out by Christ, and He gave them power to heal and to cast out demons, to perform marvelous works.  We contrast that with the power of Herod Antipas and his court.

 

 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."  This King Herod is Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, who ruled for Rome.  He is the son of the King Herod (Herod the Great) who slew the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).  Although he was technically a governor, my study Bible notes, he was popularly called king.  Here, he knows that John the Baptist had worked no miracles while he was living.  But now, as Herod hears of Christ and the apostles, he believes John must be raised from the dead, bringing powers which are at work in him.  Therefore, my study Bible concludes, 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."   It was prophesied that Elijah would return before the day of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5).  In Luke 1:17, we read that the angel prophesied to Zacharias that his son (John the Baptist) would go before Christ "in the spirit and power of Elijah" and indeed, John dressed in clothing reminiscent of Elijah (1 Kings 1:8).  In Mark 9:13 Jesus affirms this role of John the Baptist.  My study Bible says that the Prophet is interpreted by some to be a reference to the Messiah, the One who was foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), while others interpret it as meaning 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.  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 em, 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. This account of the death of John the Baptist is given "parenthetically," in order to explain John's earlier death so that hearers would understand precisely why Herod would think (and fear) that John had risen from the dead.  In many denominations, the beheading of St. John is remembered in the Church on August 29 (traditionally a day of fasting).  As part of God's plan of salvation, my study Bible says, John's martyrdom allowed the coming of the Messiah to be announced to the souls in Hades, as John was the forerunner of Christ there as well on earth.  It also notes 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), is a testament to both the power of personal holiness and integrity, and also to the people's understanding of John, for he was held in the highest esteem (Mark 11:32).  

 

If we contrast the actions of Herod and his court (especially those of his "family" -- his wife Herodias and her daughter) with Christ's apostles, we see a very sharp distinction.  It's important, first, that we revisit a comment made by my study Bible (in yesterday's commentary) regarding the first line in today's reading, which is repeated from yesterday.  My study Bible notes that anointing the sick with oil has not only medicinal value but sacramental value as well.  As God's healing power is bestowed through creation (Mark 5:27; Numbers 21:8-9; 2 Samuel 13:21; John 9:6-7; Acts 5:15, 19:11-12), so oil is also a vehicle of God's mercy and healing in the Church (James 5:14).  So we are given to clearly understand that God's healing power is bestowed through creation, even as Christ shares His power with His creatures, the apostles, and is Incarnate also as one of us.  So we see the difference between what the apostles do, and how they behave with humility and grace even as they bear Christ's gospel into the world -- and this court of Herod, left to their own devices, so to speak.  They have all the worldly wealth and power that is to be had as representatives of Rome, and yet we view their extreme corruption and ruthlessness.  It should be noted that the family of Herod took on Jewish customs and religion in order to rule over the Jews, but this account clearly teaches us how little substance there is to that identity here at this court.  In fact, John the Baptist's open criticism of Herod was that he had unlawfully married Herodias, who had been married to Herod's brother.  This was the spark of Herodias' hatred for John.  The fact that Herod and Herodias would allow her daughter to dance before the court would be scandalous to the earliest hearers of this Gospel, for it was inconceivable to allow a daughter to be looked upon in this public way.  What is on display here is a clear display of what happens when passions alone are left to rule a person.  Herod is over-extravagant and vain, giving a rash oath to the girl in front of the rest of the court, "his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee."  It is his birthday, and although he fears John, and knows he is a holy man, he is not humble enough to back down in front of the rest of them when she asks for the head of John the Baptist.  The bloodthirsty image of a young girl triumphantly returning with the head of John the Baptist, at the behest of her mother, speaks for itself in terms of corruption and the overriding rule of passions alone in this setting:  people in love with power, selfish enough to do anything to gain it, and corrupt enough to use a daughter to do so -- even to exult in butchering a holy man widely revered by the people.  This is a picture of a corrupt world, one given over to passions and selfishness -- in great contrast to the human beings who are the disciples and apostles of Christ, and sent out with His power shared with them to heal a world and bring it salvation.  We should always remember that our salvation is not only corporate, and not only for the world, but for each of us also as individuals, so that we, too might be the flower that blooms with the grace of God shared with human beings.  Let us remember that as Christ the Son of God became human, so we are to understand how our created nature can share something "godlike" through grace.  Even the oil of unction may share and bestow this grace upon those who need it, proving that the world is not corrupt of itself or its created nature, but is made to reflect the glory of God.  For that is a picture of our true salvation, as contrasted with the hell of Herod's court.  St. Paul reminds us of these distinctions, when he writes, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23), but "the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like" (Galatians 5:19-21).  Our reading today gives us an icon of this contrast, a picture of the truth.  Which would you consider to be more civilized --  those who lived in great splendor and power of an empire, or the apostles with their humility and poverty and the gospel of Christ?  Let us remember and take it to heart in our own choices for faith.

This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!

 

 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 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 last verse from yesterday's reading is also included with today's reading.  It reminds us that the apostles have just been sent out on their first mission, going out into the world invested with the power of Christ which He has shared with them.  It is a reminder of what has begun to actively happen in the world, and sets the stage for Herod's awareness of -- and unease with -- the ministry of Jesus.

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."  This King Herod is the son of the Herod who slew the infants in Bethlehem of Judea (Matthew 2:16).  He is also known as Herod Antipas and rules Galilee as a governor, or "tetrarch" for Rome, but is commonly called a king.  He knows that John the Baptist worked no miracles while he was living, but now suspects that John was raised from the dead, and that powers are at work in him.  Therefore, my study bible says, 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."  My study bible says that Elijah was expected to return and work signs before the second coming of the Lord, in a popular understanding of the prophecy in Malachi 4:5.  The Prophet, some say, is a reference to the Messiah, the One foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15.  Others understand this to mean just 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.  My study bible notes here that Herod feared John.  The remarkable fact that Herod -- with all his wealth and power and soldiers at his command -- feared John, who lived in such radical poverty and humility that he was clothed in camel's hair (Mark 1:6), is a testament to the power of personal holiness and integrity, says my study bible.  It's also an acknowledgement of the people's understanding 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 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 story of the death of John the Baptist is given parenthetically.   That is, it is given to us in an explanation of just why Herod Antipas fears Jesus, and that he is afraid Jesus is John raised from the dead.  After this flashback, the text will pick up the story of Christ from where the first verse left off.  (That will continue in tomorrow's lectionary reading).  My study bible explains that in the theology of the Church, John's martyrdom fit within God's plan for salvation.  It allowed the coming of the Messiah to be announced by John to the souls in Hades, as John was the forerunner of Christ both on earth and to the souls dwelling there who had passed.  

Let us examine Herod's fears about John.  First of all, I think it's essential to take at face value that his fear that John has risen from the dead, and is a kind of ghostly presence causing extraordinary phenomena, isn't so strange in terms of popular beliefs of the time.  On another level, it reflects Herod's own understanding that John was a just and holy man, and Herod's unconscious guilt over what he had done by accepting John's beheading through of a rash oath made in front his guests.  It is a strange picture, indeed, as my study bible points out, that Herod fears John.  He rules with the absolute power of Rome, and yet he could not say no to the girl, Herodias' daughter, in front of the important people at his birthday party.  This gives rise to another kind of understanding of Herod:  his immaturity.  It would seem that his own sense of "honor" leads him to do something that betrays his soul, and carries him far away from any understanding of religious faith or right relationship to God.  His faith, instead, is in the human power he cherishes, and the rest of his life will sadly reflect this.   If we think of John the Baptist as a possibly hopeful sign in Herod's life (regardless of why he is there), we will come to understand this better.  John was a prophet, and even Herod knew he was a just and holy man, as the text says.  And although John was held against his will and imprisoned, he nevertheless remains a prophetic figure even in prison and in the palace of Herod.  He does not lose this function and power.  If we want to see a kind of parallel reality in the Gospel, we can look at the tradition of the Church, which tells us that John the Baptist, as Christ's Forerunner, also preached the advent of the Messiah in Hades.  One may picture John held in prison in the palace of Herod as akin to being in Hades.  While Herod still has time to come to some faithful understanding, he may listen to John and learn -- even as we're told he already recognizes John as a holy man, and he protected John.  We're told of Herod response to John that "when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly."   Regardless of the appearance of circumstances, God's power in the world works this way, that it is a chance for Herod, and still works as part of the prophetic work of John the Baptist.  Just think what might have been possible had Herod actually paid attention to the Baptist, had repented,  and not remained allied to his (living) brother's wife, Herodias, and thus complying with Jewish Law.  This horrific story might have had a very different outcome.  But as it is, this reading gives us a powerful tale of what it is to reject prophetic witness.  If it is true that "by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:18-20), then we have only to look at the  gruesome and bloodthirsty fruits in this story to affirm that for Herod to do so -- to reject John's holiness and teaching -- is to go from bad to worse.  It is, in this sense that might be hard to catch, another testament to the power of the holy.  Herod himself, through complications of alliances and political intrigue concerning his marriage, as well as Herodias' ambition and greed, would come to a bad end of defeat and exile.  (See the latter portion of this article).  What we can conclude is that God's power, working through the prophet, has its effect; and whether the word of God comes through the prophets, or through Christ, or the saints, it retains its power -- even in response to rejection.   this leads us to think more deeply about Christ's admonition to the twelve on their first apostolic mission that they should shake the dust off their feet as testimony against those who would not receive them.  For there is power in such a testimony, albeit one seemingly without force or effect to worldly eyes.  We need look only at Christ's words in yesterday's reading (above) as to consequences of refusal:  "Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"  For Herod Antipas, it is the beginning of a long slide into deeper corruption.  (See also Luke 23:7-12).  Let us take these stories to heart, and not see them as stories of a bygone age, one of absolute power and ruthless ambition.  If we think God's power is not at work in the world, perhaps we're just not looking with the right perspective.   We still have all the seeds of the terrible ends, and prophetic warnings -- even under any circumstance -- with us today.  The worldly view won't can't it, but God's power remains working in and through the world, and even our intimate lives, should we choose to hear and respond (Luke 11:28), and even if it is rejected.

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 away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

- Matthew 14:1-12

Yesterday we read that when Jesus had finished preaching in parables, that He departed from Capernaum.  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.  Here Matthew gives us the history behind Herod's fear that Jesus is John the Baptist, risen from the dead.  Herod had married Herodias, his brothers' former wife, while his brother was still living.  John had denounced this as a violation of Jewish Law, and for this reason he was imprisoned.  My study bible comments from the perspective of a traditional view in the Church:  it saw the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist in the context of God's plan of salvation.  This allowed the coming of the Messiah to be announced to the souls in Hades, with John as forerunner and prophet of Christ there as well as on earth.

This story of violence and gruesome actions taking place at a birthday party tells us a great deal of the state of the ancient world into which Christ was born.  There is no flinching here at the reality of violence and cruelty.   The one thing that had kept John from death for speaking out against Herod was his stance as a revered figure among the people, who considered him to be a prophet and a holy man.  This is a world of power, where power is abused as often as it is exercised in one form or another -- and in particular by modern standards of what people call "civil rights."   It describes a world in which state authority is understood to be so absolute as there will be no questioning of these actions, and a king's rash promise to a young girl holds power simply because he does not want to go back on his oath in front of those important people in attendance.  This is the world of injustice in which Christ preaches His Sermon on the Mount, and teaches the oppressed about His way of responding to it and living in it.  If we stop to think of the injustices of today's world and compare them to our ancient history -- and the time of the life of Christ and His environment -- then we sometimes may want to consider how much responsibility we bear for choosing how we will choose to live.  John fearlessly preached righteousness in this world.  He lived in abject poverty, not among the privileged or even average people.  Jesus had no place to lay His head (8:20).  We may also understand corruption, violence, injustice, and abuse of power in the hands of those in high places in our modern world, in all kinds of ways and in all kinds of places.  But our Lord did not come to live in castles or mansions or an easy life.   Jesus spoke of John the Baptist to the people also comparing him to those who led easier lives:  "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses."  He was defending John as "a prophet, and greater than a prophet" in the face of criticism by the Pharisees that he was too rough (see 11:7-15).  But both the prophet and the Lord we follow were born into a world of great power and great injustice, and one of the power of great empire.  They lived their lives through its worst aspects -- even to crucifixion -- so that they could give us the way that we in turn honor to walk through it.  When we realize what they lived, how they lived, and what they experienced, it should make us even more committed to this way of life in the midst of our own realities.  Let us understand they have lived the way they lived already for love of us, and we must in turn honor what they offer as the greatest wisdom, and the gift of greatest love.   Let us endure and resist the temptations of a world that would seduce with violence and power and deceitful riches, and share in their strength to do so.

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

 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, "As 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 (the "headquarters" area of His Galilean ministry) 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 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 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.   This King Herod is Herod Antipas, tetrarch or governor of Galilee, commonly called a king.  He rules serving Rome, and he's the son of King Herod who slew the innocents, seeking the Christ child (Matthew 2:16-18).  The story of the death of John the Baptist is told so that we understand the history of this king and his attention to Jesus.  John did no miracles in his ministry, but Herod now fears that John has returned from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.  Talk of Jesus has reached Herod's attention.   In popular understanding, Elijah was expected to return and work signs before the coming of the Christ (Malachi 4:5).  The Prophet, my study bible says, is interpreted by some to be a reference to the Messiah, the One foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), while yet others interpret this as simply meaning a new prophet had arisen.  John the Baptist had challenged Herod's right to marry his brother's wife, Herodias, while his brother was still living, as a violation of the Mosaic Law.  If we're to understand a picture of the family of Herod the Great (father of this Herod Antipas of Galilee), history paints a vivid picture of lawlessness and violence even by the standards of his time.  Herod is not only known in the Gospels as the one who slew the infants of Bethlehem, but is known to historians for murdering some of his own children.   He's also known as Herod the Builder, whose most splendid project was the reconstruction of the temple.  Here the text tells us that Herodias wanted John dead.  But Herod Antipas has a kind of fascination with the holy, fearing John and knowing him to be a just and holy man, and heard John gladly.  My study bible remarks on the fact that Herod, with all his wealth and soldiers feared John, who lived in poverty and was clothed in camel's hair (1:6).  It notes that this is a testament to the power of personal holiness and integrity, and also to the people's understanding of John, for he was held 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, "As 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 we're given the story of the beheading of John the Baptist.  It's easy to observe the character of this court and its noble family.  Herod is given to lavish oaths, and subject to manipulation by Herodias.  Although the king was exceedingly sorry, because of the oaths he swore before those nobles and high officers and chief men of Galilee, he did not want to refuse her daughter's request. 

In the Gospels, state power frequently comes to conflict with holy power.  Nowhere is this more vividly illustrated in this story of Herod Antipas and his history with John the Baptist.  There's a basic conflict between holy power, such as in the person and ministry of John the Baptist, and the use of power for self-centered purposes, such as that of Herod the Great and Herod Antipas.  We see how the use of power plays a role through the whole family and its corruption.  Herodias is a bloodthirsty woman bent on destroying John the Baptist, the thorn in her side, who has publicly proclaimed her marriage unlawful.   The gruesome outcome of unchecked power is this picture at Herod's birthday party, of the dancing girl, giving John the Baptist's head on a platter to her mother.  Even the idea of having her daughter dance before all these men is a scandalous idea for the contemporaries of Christ, for why would one expose a daughter to men in this way, rather than protecting her modesty?  In some sense, we could say that lust is playing a role on all levels here:  that is, lust that is also for power and covetousness on every scale, for what one can get by any means deemed necessary.  There is a story here about our own aims and ambitions, and how important it is to serve God, because that one crucial decision within us may be the one upon which everything else hangs.  There is also an important message about what comes first.  Simply because Herod Antipas is Rome's governor in Galilee does not, in the point of view of the Gospels, give him the right to do whatever he wants to do.  God's authority clearly is superior, but we human beings have the thorough free will to reject that authority on any level, even to the depraved point we read about in this story.  This picture lays out perfectly clearly that God does not take away our capacity to make such a choice, and that the truly holy and just suffer in this world.   Despite his own reluctance to harm John, Antipas is seduced by his own lustful behavior, swearing extreme oaths and carried away by his own birthday excesses; he's trapped in the circumstances that are meant to honor him.   It's a cautionary tale for all of us.  It highlights the importance of a prayerful life.  So often we think that we must let something slide, agree to something as circumstances are against us, not stand up for something we know is right.  Perhaps we think a position of authority allows us to do whatever we think we can get away with, or we're surrounded by people who simply encourage that kind of use of power.  But if we observe carefully, we can watch and see where greed leads, lust for power and material things, when that triumphs over all other choices and moral considerations.  There is a breakdown into a kind of chaos that happens, regardless of the outside picture one's position in life may represent.  We see cruelties happen in families all the time, but the question is how those things happen, what it is to which we turn a blind eye, or how we avoid the difficult decisions.  Herod Antipas could have suffered the humiliation of taking back an oath in order to avoid having John beheaded.  But his regret simply wasn't enough of a commitment to what was more important and more valuable than his position and worldly power.  Let us consider, in whatever capacity we are responsible for decisions made -- in our families, in our workplaces, in our personal and private lives -- what the importance of a commitment to love of God means.  One thing leads to another, as so many have understood when it is too late to change a regrettable incident.  Our choices and responsibilities are essential and important to us:  God has built them into what it means to be a human being.  It matters not at all how insignificant a place we may feel we hold in life, nor how great or responsible to others we may be.  The story is the same, and our choice always remains.

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 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 giving the parables (we've read in chapter 13), He departed from Capernaum.  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 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.  Here Matthew gives us the story of the beheading of John the Baptist.  My study bible notes that John is viewed by the Church as part of God's plan of salvation.  Having been the Forerunner of Jesus' ministry, preparing people for the Messiah, he does the same in Hades, announcing Christ to all souls there as well as in the world.  He's further remembered for obedience to the Law and as defender of marriage in particular, in condemning Herod's unlawful marriage to his brother's wife.  Under the law, she should not have been married to Herod while his brother (her former husband) was still living.  Ultimately, this is the reason the ambitious Herodias wanted him dead, and took advantage of her opportunity to have him beheaded. 

In yesterday's reading, and other recent readings, we noted the increasing hostility and rejection Jesus is facing.  His ministry in the world is not something that will be universally accepted.  The open hostility of the leadership is leading to their eventual plan to destroy Him.  At this point in Matthew's Gospel, yet another note of rejection and hostility is interjected into the text, with the horrible death of John the Baptist.  It's a truly gruesome scene, worthy of any horror film, in which a queen asks for a man's head on a platter to be served at the king's birthday party.   We note something about Herod:  he's sorry to put John to death.  Not only is it important that the people consider John to be a true holy man, but Herod rather delights in curiosity about the holy (Mark 6:20).  He will also seek to be "entertained" by Christ when He is in Herod's custody, hoping to see a miracle done by Him.  But Jesus' failure to respond will result in further cruelty and condemnation (Luke 23:8-11).  Here in the text is martyrdom, but it is given in a flashback.  For now Herod's fears, after the horrific beheading of John the Baptist, lead him to suspect that perhaps Jesus is John returned from the dead.  There is an element of paranoia here that tells us about guilt and power -- the abuse of manipulative power used against the holy.  Herod Antipas is not truly a believer.  He is a Roman king, but nominally Jewish because he rules over the Jewish territory of Galilee.  His curiosity about the holy resembles a collector of entertaining objects, or unusual animals that might be kept in cages for amusement.   It is purely material in nature, and is not inspired by faith.  This materialist perspective goes hand in hand with ruling power, with a life led by manipulation and what can be grasped.  Herod's father, Herod the Great, was known not only for his ambitions and tremendous building projects (he remodeled the temple in Jerusalem and turned it into one of the architectural marvels of the world) -- but also for his extreme cruelty even in a time when rulers were expected to be ruthless.  The Kingdom, the text tells us, not only comes into the world among those who are nominal believers who reject the gospel message, but also into the world of cruelty and force.  It comes face to face in encounter with state power that knows expediency for its aims, and stark ambition that stops at no obstacle or objection in order to attain its goals.   This is the root of martyrdom, that the holy is present for all things in this world.  John stood up to face the danger involved in condemning an unlawful marriage, and Jesus will also come face to face with the most extreme measures of worldly power and the death it wields.  We may still marvel at the ruthlessness we encounter here, and the awesome courage of the holy and those who will be the messengers of the Kingdom.   We observe Herod dwelling in fear, and Christ's exhortation to fearless witness (10:24-26).  We still live in this world of cruelty, harshness, expediency.  Where does the Gospel come into the world around you?    We must know that those who've shown us the way let nothing stop its message and witness; they continued despite every challenge the world would provide to them.  Where are those challenges for you?  What fears do they prompt?  We still face the same dynamic, even if it's hidden in sophistication and advancement in concepts of rights and freedom.  The expediency of material power and manipulation will always play a role in our world.  What fears do you face in living out the gospel message and the discipleship of participation in this Kingdom?  Where does Christ's courage take you?

This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!

John the Baptist, 16th century, Greek

 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

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.

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."  Herod hears of Christ -- and he believes He is John the Baptist risen from the dead.  John did not have any miraculous works associated with his ministry, but Herod believes miraculous powers are at work because he was raised from the dead.  Thus, my study bible says, he fears John more dead than alive.  King Herod is the son of Herod the Great, who slew the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).  Herod is technically a governor, but popularly called king.

Others said, "It is Elijah."  And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."   Elijah was expected to return and to work signs before the coming of the Lord (Malachi 4:5).  The Prophet, my study bible says, is interpreted by some to be a reference to the Messiah, the One whom Moses foretold (Deuteronomy 18:15), while others interpret it as simply meaning 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."   We're given a parenthetical explanation for the events that have taken place between Herod and John the Baptist.  John complained that Herod's marriage to Herodias was not lawful according to Mosaic Law, because his brother Philip was still living. 

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.   Interestingly, Herod recognized John's holiness, and heard him gladly.  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, my study bible tells us, 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).

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.  We're given the background story on why Herod fears John has come back from the dead.

In the tradition of the Church, John is called Forerunner.  In Orthodox icons, he's often depicted with wings.  He was the herald, the messenger of the Kingdom -- as the root meaning of angel in Greek is "messenger," and John is truly a messenger of God.  In addition, he lived an "angelic" lifestyle; that is, one dedicated wholly to the kingdom of God.   According to tradition, John not only was the Forerunner, the messenger or herald of the coming of the Messiah into the world, but John's martyrdom also allowed the coming of the Messiah to be announced to the souls in Hades; He was the forerunner of Christ there as well as on earth.  What a bloody and sordid death John received as martyr.  The king knows he is a holy man, and regrets what has passed, but nevertheless because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse Herodias.  One might simply imagine the place in which John was held, the beheading that comes simply by request of a young woman at a birthday party, and the vicious request for his head to be served on a platter.  The family of Herod was known as a particularly bloody and vicious dynasty when it came to internal power disputes.  Herod the Great, who gave the world the second temple and other marvels of building and construction, was also known as a brutal and violent ruler even in a world where brutality and violence were expected among its rulers.  The holy John is killed in this environment, at the hands of such people.  It's a rather awful story, with the hideous request of John's head on a platter coming from a girl who pleased with her dancing.  It's a sordid, brutish death that is given to one who dies as a martyr, a holy man who is the greatest and last of the Old Testament prophets, and who will also become forerunner for the souls in Hades.  In the context of our world, we may be used to hearing of sordid or brutish deaths, stories of sad ends and seemingly meaningless violence, bloody killings associated with crime, or drugs, or the breakdown of a social order, of neighborhoods, of communities.  But our modern thinking tends to link ends with how a person lives their lives.  We are frequently led to think that a well-lived life will guarantee that we avoid the evil of the world and its brutishness.  But that's not quite the picture we get from this story, nor of the story of Christ.  Both John and Jesus will speak the truth that creates hostility and violence from those with power.  John has annoyed Herodias with his condemnation of her marriage; it's an indictment of the means by which she ascends into her own position of power.  The religious leadership will find their own way to rid themselves of Jesus whose ministry not only criticizes their methods but threatens to usurp their places among the people.  In the 16th century Greek icon above, John refers to the relic of his severed head, and speaks to the Lord in heaven.   The scroll in his hands reads, "Seest Thou what suffer those who censure, O Word of God, the faults of the unclean. Not being able to bear censure, Lo Herod cut off my head, O Saviour."  Neither John nor Jesus die deaths that are "pretty" or "peaceful."  They are given over to the hands of those who kill even impersonally, whose expertise is to set an example in a violent world.    But it defies our understanding of "the good life" to understand that these deaths in such gruesome circumstances cast no aspersions on those who receive death in this way.  Christ died between two thieves, in a way meant for the worst of criminals, but those circumstances do not diminish Christ -- nor do the sordid circumstances in which John died say anything about John.  Rather these men suffer for the Kingdom, and pay the ultimate price for it.  Jesus Himself is the price for all of us out of this world of retribution and suffering and violence.  That is, He becomes life itself for all the faithful, the instrument of grace that lifts us out of the world of a sordid type of justice and into the Kingdom instead.  Worldly thinking allows us to taint the holy with violence, but the holy redeems everything and violence and evil cannot truly touch it.  John and Jesus serve a kingdom of everlasting life for each of us, even through their deaths; it is they who transfigure the world.  Let us not be deceived by the brutish and sordid and violent; evil is nothing.  This is one of the most powerful lessons we can learn; our lives are not cheapened by the world and its cruelties.  It is God who gives us our true purpose and value, our alliance with Christ that illumines all meaning and life.