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.

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

John the Baptist, Angel of the Desert.  17th century Russian icon

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 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.

 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.  Today's reading begins with the last verse from yesterday's (above), giving us a framework for what is happening.  The apostles have been sent out on their first missionary journey, and so Jesus' ministry is not simply expanding, but it is also becoming more known for the marvelous works that accompany it.

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 Antipas is the son of the King Herod the Great who slew the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).  He is technically the governor of Galilee (also titled tetrarch), but popularly called a king.  Herod is aware that John the Baptist did not perform miracles.  But now he suspects that Jesus is John risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.  Today's reading unfolds the story of the Baptist's death at Herod's hands.  My study bible comments that 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."  The prophet Elijah was expected to return and work signs before the coming of the Lord (Malachi 4:5).   The Prophet is interpreted by some to be a reference to the Messiah, my study bible says; that is, the One foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).  Others interpret this as simply 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!"  We can understand the fear of Herod, as he supposes that John the Baptist has been raised from the dead -- effectively with great powers he did not have during his ministry -- whom Herod himself had beheaded.

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 explanation, and the story of John the Baptist's death, is given parenthetically in the Gospel, explaining what has happened previously, and Herod's fear that John has returned from the dead.  Herod had married his brother's wife, Herodias, while his brother was yet living.  This was in opposition to the laws of marriage of the Jews, and so John the Baptist had spoken publicly against it.  Herodias wanted to kill him, we're told, but Herod, on the other hand, had a sense of John's righteousness and holiness, and so he protected him.  He also apparently delighted to listen to him.  It seems that Herod knew John's revered popular status as a prophet and holy man among the people.  My study bible notes that Herod feared John.   With all his wealth and soldiers, Herod feared a man who lived in poverty and was clothed in camel's hair (1:6).  My study bible calls this 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.  There are a few things we can note about this story.  First of all, there is the temptation to swearing oaths, which Herod gives in to with an over-lavish promise to Herodias' daughter.  In effect, he sets his own trap for himself.  Moreover, contemporary hearers would be scandalized to know that parading a daughter in such a display and in such a setting was a violation of her modesty, in accordance with the cultural standards of the time.  The violence and gore of the holy man's fate -- and the relationship between mother and daughter -- testifies in and of itself to the excesses of thirst for power on display, and its consequences.

In a certain light, we may consider today's story from the Gospel illuminating for Lenten meditation.  The excesses of the court of Herod are instrumental in pointing out to us the wisdom of traditional practices of Lent, and the things we need to consider at this time.  There are first of all the great expenditures of lavish wealth meant to show off the king's (and his kingdom's) power and reach.  We can imagine what sumptuous feast must have been served, showing off the far extent of the Empire's trade in its exotic fares and spices, the skill of the king's cooks and servants, and the possibly the sophistication of luxuries available to them.  And yet in the midst of beauty and royal splendor, the selfish and ruthless acquisition of power for its own sake is at play.  It corrupts the relationship between mother and daughter, not only with disrespect for her daughter's own modesty and integrity of her body and being, but with the "teaching" of the skill of murder for the sake of absolute power.  That there is no regard whatsoever for the holiness for which John the Baptist is widely known and revered by the people doubles this effect.  The king's over-indulgence in swearing a rash oath to his stepdaughter teaches us something as well, for not only are oaths generally things to avoid, but they also present to us great temptation -- a trap we easily fall into, as illustrated here.  Oaths often give us a sense of control and power, but we see even that slip immediately through the king's hands, as his wife uses the opportunity to her own perceived advantage.  And there we have another casualty of relationships based merely on power and the acquisition of authority, and not on love:  manipulation for its own sake as a kind of victory, as a way to operate in the world in which we delude ourselves regarding our own capacity for intelligence and cunning and what it says about us.  These things are instrumental not only as cautionary tales for those who take the faith of Christ seriously, but in particular at this time of Lent, when we are meant to go within more deeply, to take time out from our usual frenetic activities, and consider what is most important to our faith.  This is a time when we are meant to consider what is most important for the good of our body, soul, and spirit.  Our practices of focus on the interior life should give us pause to consider what it is we chase in life, what's most important to us, what is really worthwhile, and where we might to pull back and reconsider how we might live a little differently -- for that's the real meaning of repentance, or "change of mind."  John the Baptist himself remains a figure of importance, especially at this time, for both he and his disciples teach us what it means to stick to the real business of our faith at all times, through thick and through thin.  Not only does he continue with his faith and ministry through his imprisonment, but he dies a heroic death, a martyr to his faith.  In the tradition of the Church, he precedes Christ to those who have passed, proclaiming the coming of Christ in Hades, as forerunner both to the living and the dead.  The detail added in the final verse gives us the disposition of John's disciples, they stick faithfully and soberly to the business at hand, accepting all that has come, and doing what is necessary for their faith.  All of this teaches us something about this time, in which the world faces an epidemic to consider our response to:  Who are we really?  What are we to be about?  How do we get down to the real things of Lent we need to focus on, especially now?  I could make a bad joke about losing one's head -- but let us consider the case in which at times like these, we need to think about the things to which we dedicate ourselves, and the things we're better off in letting go and getting down to the real business of life such as it is now.  Such circumstances have the capacity to really focus our energies on where effort is needed, and to let go of what is extraneous to our health on all levels of our being.  Let us consider to what we dedicate ourselves, and what is most important and essential in our lives now, just like, in our tradition of Lent, we are supposed to do.  The icon above depicts John the Baptist, particularly titled as Angel of the Desert.  In many Orthodox icons, he is depicted with wings, as this gives us an understanding of his role (similar to the angels) as messenger.  In fact, the word angelos means messenger in Greek.  (It should be noted that for the most part, depictions of angels with wings, such as Gabriel or Michael, are also symbolic of their status as divine messengers.)   John is also called Angel of the Desert in this icon for his dedication to the things of God, putting material things second to his purpose, as he was called as prophet and forerunner, and the one of whom Jesus said, "among those born of women there is no one greater than John" (Matthew 11:11, Luke 7:28). 

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.

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

 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 came to His own country, the town 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.   Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known.  The first lines of the reading set the scene for a "flashback" of King Herod.  This is Herod Antipas, technically governor of Galilee, son of Herod the Great (who slew the infants in Bethlehem in Matthew 2:16).  Jesus has just sent out His twelve apostles on their first mission.  His ministry is expanding, including the power that He has shared with the apostles to heal, to cast out demons, and to preach repentance.  Jesus' expanding fame makes Him well known, and He has come to the attention of the king.

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.   Again, the Gospel testifies to the reputation now of Jesus:  some call Him the Prophet (a Messiah-like figure predicted by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15), and some say Christ is Elijah (who was prophesied to return, working signs and wonders before the coming of the Lord, in Malachi 4:5).   The king fears that John the Baptist has come back from the dead.  My study bible points out that while John worked no miracles in his ministry, the king fears that John now has powers at work in him because he has risen from the dead.   Therefore, he fears John more dead than alive.  Here the Gospel gives us the story of John's death at the hands of Herod.  Herod had divorced his wife in order to marry his brother's wife Herodias.  The fact that his brother was still living at the time made the arrangement unlawful to the Jews (a Roman woman could divorce her husband, but a Jewish woman could not -- only a man could initiate divorce).   John the Baptist spoke out against the unlawful character of the marriage, angering Herodias who wishes to kill the Baptist.  We can see for ourselves the corrupt quality of the house of Herod.  But Herod is fascinated by John, as he will later be fascinated by Jesus.  He knows that John is a holy man, and enjoys hearing him.

 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 story that explains Herod's fear that John has risen from the dead.  It is a story about the exigencies of power.  Herod knows John to be a holy man.  He doesn't want to kill him; he is exceedingly sorry.   It's also a story about the wisdom in Christ's forbidding the swearing of oaths; a rash promise has now trapped Herod before all the nobles, high officers, and chief men of Galilee.  And we're taught about corruption in the telling, how a road we've chosen can trap us into something that we know is wrong, even as we comply.

What is corruption?  I think it's a question that today's text asks us to consider.  If we look at the family of Herod, we see great corruption.  His father, Herod the Great, was known also as Herod the Builder.  He was responsible for the embellishments of the Temple that made it one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  But he was also known for his extreme ruthlessness.  Scheming for power within this dynasty meant plotting murders of family members, including children and parents.  Although Antipas is nominally Jewish (his father Herod was the son of a convert), he is not considered by those whom he rules to be truly one of them.  Into this context comes John the Baptist, who condemns the unlawful marriage.   Herod Antipas is a governor for Rome.  Although popularly called "king," he serves Roman rule.  Perhaps we have to look more closely at the ways in which power is used to understand what corruption is.  In the end, it seems to come down to what we truly choose to worship.   Power and position are very persuasive ends in a social context.  The whole world seems to structure social order as all that there is, and so the immediate "good" seems to be a place of power or position to covet.  This is seemingly what the world offers as the ultimate good, no matter what the "currency" may be, whatever that highest place of authority is.  Christ's ministry calls us out of this "worldly" picture, and to a different sort of adherence to a goal, to worship.  To worship God is not to simply follow what the social order offers.  God takes us outside of the worldly picture, into a different set of goals, a higher order of worship.  When Herod swears an oath before all the important and leading people of Galilee (the region he rules), he is in some sense putting all of his faith in these human positions, their rank and authority in his kingdom.  He is ignoring the higher authority of what he truly knows, that John the Baptist is a holy man.  And that's our picture of corruption.  It's a failure to put worship in its rightful place, to give God what is God's.  Jesus comes into the world with a ministry calling all attention to God -- repentance and the gospel of the Kingdom as the focus He calls us toward.  Everything about Christ's ministry is in conflict with a worldly sort of power.  His apostles go out on their first mission in total humility:  without money, staying in the first place they're offered, and merely shaking the dust off their feet in testimony against the places where their message is rejected.  As Messiah, He does not come as worldly king, does not amass an army, but rides "triumphantly" into Jerusalem on a donkey.  This is the way He calls us out of the usual desires and demands for worldly power, and His power works to heal, to cast out demons which afflict and oppress.   Those who will truly oppose Him and send Him to His death are those who resent His authority and His criticism and His threat to their places of leadership.  Let us consider carefully what we worship, what we place as our highest goal.  It is a good check on our choices.   Corruption is no less than placing other gods before us, and there are so many, myriad ways that we can do that.   We are fooled if we think that is always obvious, or that we don't need constant grace, humility, awareness, and discernment to see it.  There is a hint given here in the accompanying fear that Herod experiences that John the Baptist is risen from the dead, with great power accompanying him.  Our confidence in God is a confidence in God's love, that we will find God's way through all things the world presents to us.  Let us always be aware of the choice.