Monday 30 August 2010

Background

Today the Church remembers John the Baptist, and we focus on thestory of his execution, from Matthew's Gospel, included at thispoint almost as an afterthought, or a footnote. Matthew writes ofthe growing report about what Jesus was doing - and how even theruler of Galilee had heard of him and was saying that Jesus wasactually John raised from the dead - and then remembers he hasn'tactually told us about John's death.

Herod Antipas (son of the King Herod of the nativity story), rulingin a Jewish province, had broken two Jewish laws in relation to hiswives, unjustly divorcing the first and then marrying hishalf-brother's wife. John the Baptist (a powerful local prophet andcousin of Jesus) voiced the orthodox Jewish opinion on this matter,in what may have been an ongoing campaign. Herod had Johnimprisoned, although we are told he wanted to kill him from thestart. John's popular reputation saved him initially, as Herodfeared upsetting the crowds.

Herodias, the villainess in the story, had other ideas however, andon Herod's birthday she sent her daughter to perform a 'pleasing'dance for Herod and his esteemed guests at this licentious party.And, publically, drunkenly, Herod promised her whatever she wantedas a reward. On the nod from her mother she asked for John's headon a platter and Herod found himself in a catch-22 situation: saveface with his guests or prevent the wrath of the Jewish public.Ultimately, it was John who lost out.

Jesus was informed of his cousin's death. This was not just afamily tragedy but also a powerful marker at this halfway point inMatthew's Gospel: the one whose role was to 'go on ahead' has shownjust how dangerous the path is. Ultimately, the kingdom of Godalways meets opposition against those seeking to secure their ownearthly kingdoms.

To Ponder

There were many factors at play on the politicaland religious scene at that time. What are the similarities betweenJohn the Baptist's story and Jesus' execution?

This story is clearly seen as a foreshadowing ofJesus' death - a dark ominous warning of what can happen on thepaths of justice and goodness. But hidden within it, can you alsosee the glimpses or hints of resurrection?

Herodias found that the only sure way to cover upthe sin of her relationship with her brother-in-law was to silencethe accusing voice permanently. Sin to cover up sin; murder to hideimmorality. When or where do you see this awful cycle repeated intoday's society? Where does it lead? How can Jesus bring this cycleto an end?