July 14, 2024 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - Confronting Evil

Pastor Nick's sermon last week focused on the danger of being a prophet. The story of Salome and Herod underscores that danger. There are down to earth, current takeaways that this Gospel passage help us understand.

 

Historically the death of John the Baptist foreshadows what happens to Jesus and his followers. This is the end of what innocence the audience may have had about what is in store for Jesus' ministry. King Herod's abuse of power and the influence of Herodias and Salome highlight how personal vendettas and corrupt leadership lead to tragic consequences. John the Baptist spoke truth to power, which is particularly potent and relevant today.

 

Another unfortunate aspect is a young woman being manipulated and used as a pawn in a political power ploy. Examined through our current debates about gender dynamics and agency. This can be seen as a prophetic call to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of power imbalances.

 

Pastor Emillie's sermon pointed out how this is a tragic story about corrupt power not wanting to hear truth. John the Baptist was a prophet who courageously called out moral and ethical failings. Those who challenge systemic injustice and advocate for marginalized communities, fulfill how John the Baptist envisioned the prophetic role. Many like him have met his same fate.

This is a tragic story. However, telling it offers a perspective that allows for the forgiveness that does not directly appear in the story. There is always potential for redemption. Environments can be fostered where justice and mercy prevail over revenge and hatred.

Pastor Emillie cited recent genocides and atrocities to point out this is not a story of olden, distant days that no longer occur. The request for John's head on a platter is a dramatic and gruesome fulfillment of Herodias's desire for retribution. It is also a very public way of showing that retribution and insuring that story would be shared. Although the head being offered up on a silver platter is somewhat unique, there are other stories about severed heads. In the Bible we have David beheading Goliath and bringing his head to King Saul. Where this act was a display of triumph and divine favor that showcased David's bravery and God's support, this Gospel story is in sharp contrast to the story of David and Goliath. 

This passage begins with King Herod's fear. He is described as being deeply grieved at the time of the execution. Here Mark describes how the king is haunted when hears the name of Jesus. Herod says "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." In hearing the name of Jesus, together with the evil his father King Herod the Great, King Herod Antipas appears to confront the evil acts of his past.

There is a Hollywood 1950's biblical file epic called Salome starring Rita Hayworth, Stewart Granger and Charles Laughton. Hollywood hates leading ladies to be evil, particularity in the 50's, so Salome is shown as having an epiphany about John prior to her dance. In this movie she dances to make her request to free John from prison rather than behead him as her mother wants. 

I dislike tacked on "Hollywood" endings but I found this particular plot twist intriguing. Salome dancing for John The Baptist's life ends up being horrified when she finally sees his head takes the story in new directions.

Unfortunately, the ancient story may always rear up in different forms as Pastor Emillie pointed out today.