Spirit Monday

At church yesterday, the scripture was from the gospel of Mark. And the headline was the execution of John the Baptist. Now John is really famous from the gospel. He was an itinerant Jewish preacher who became famous for calling people to repent. And specifically he wanted people to repent for drifting away from their obedience to the law. Repent, as in ‘rethink’ what you’re doing and get right with God and the ‘law’. He became famous and even respected by religious and civil authorities alike for his integrity. Even Herod the ruler admired him and ‘liked to listen to him talk.’ But then came the twist. Herod had married Herodius but only after she had divorced her husband Phillip. John knew that this marriage violated the Jewish law. An d said so out loud which and incurred the wrath of Herodius. So she held a grudge against John and conspired to do him in. But it’s how she did it that became the stuff of legend. Herod threw a big birthday bash for himself and Herodius arranged for her daughter, the lucious Salome to dance for the party. She was evidently a real femme fatale. And Herod couldn’t keep from fawning. So in his exuberance he promised to grant any wish she wanted. So at Mom’s urging she asked for the ‘head of John the Baptist on a plate!! Yikes, but the promise was made and sure enough just after dessert John’s noggin was set right on the table! Sounds like television to me!

So what’s the point? Why share this at church?Because human beings remain vulnerable to the temptation and for revenge, even when it means the ultimate revenge. They were no different then than we are now. When ignoring society’s norms and laws we are tempted to get our own justice. Sounds like modern television, films and, yes now also the Bible. John paid the price with his own head. And Herodius’ vengeful act, combined with Salome’s questionable upbringing and Herod’s weak integrity made for a murder all to common in the human story. No wonder John was convinced about the fall of faith and obedience. Have things really changed? We are all vulnerable to seek our own justice and revenge. Such tales are seen in the news every day!