Have you heard this common saying, “be careful what you ask for”? In today’s reading, Herod was wishing he could take back the offer to his daughter. How was he to know that she would counsel with her mother and make such a request! To save face with his court, he had to follow through. Do you see a parallel to what happens at the end of Jesus’ life?
Ponder that for a moment.
Another thing we see here is a flashback. The reading starts out with Herod hearing of references about Jesus. He also concluded that Jesus must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. Up to this point in Mark’s gospel, we had only briefly, almost in passing, heard of John’s arrest back in Chapter 1. It was “later on” after Jesus’ own baptism, and right before Jesus went to preach. Here we learn that it was a “favor” for Herod’s wife. Now we step back and hear how the execution took place.
John had pointed out that Herod’s marriage to her was not lawful. This angered Herod’s wife, Heroidias. What do you think Herod felt? Guilt? Have you ever felt guilt over something you did or didn’t do? Don’t hold on to that – ask for forgiveness and let it go!
John had been in shackles this whole time as Jesus was doing miracles and teaching about the area. Apparently, from the flashback, we learn that Herod and John had had conversations. Likely these preceded the imprisonment, and Herod, even though challenged by John’s words, respected John and wanted to protect him. Did Herod’s relationship with John move him closer to having a relationship with God, too?
Herod’s guilt was only magnified when he was “forced” to kill John. This was not what he had planned or expected. He was under fire to act. Have you ever been in the hot seat, forced to make a decision or take action? How did it feel? Did it turn out favorably? Isn’t it better to have time to counsel with those you respect and be sure of God’s will for you?
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you that you are always listening for my call. When a hard decision or situation presents itself, I have the assurance that you are there to help me figure it out. Protect me from evil desires and influences. Thank you that you give me the tools I need to stand firm for you. Watch over friends who are struggling now with the natural disasters that are filing the news: hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, floods. Protect them and give them hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
