Sunday, July 14, 2024
Sunday Reflection: The Death of John the Baptist
I have always been perplexed by the story of the death of John the Baptist, from Mark 6:
"For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb."
The part that baffles me is Herod's offer of half of his kingdom because of some pretty good dancing. I would imagine that offering that to a daughter (rather than a son) would be pretty transgressive, of course. But that can't be the only thing we take from this.
Perhaps the lesson is not to make open-ended offers? Don't make deals with those controlled by others? Don't drink too much at a feast?
Actually, all of that is pretty good advice. I learned long ago not to drink too much at a party-- it's very fun to be the most sober person sometimes! And most of the things that seem like a good idea when drinking turn out not to be so great.
