Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 10: Year B
“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:” (Mark 6: 26 to 29).
The king really liked listening to John. He was impressed if not inspired by his words. This king would not listen to the beginning of the love that was developing in him for John. So what influenced his decision to have John killed? Was it too much booze combined with an immoral lust for his stepdaughter? Then, did he put himself in a bind by publically promising something foolish, (giving her up to half of his kingdom)? She could have taken half his kingdom and waged war with him. So did he keep his word so as to maintain some kind of respect in front of his guest? Was keeping his word a political move? Was his oath well thought out before he hit the “send” button of his lips? I’m just pondering here folks. This was a sad birthday for Herod. Maybe keeping oaths for the sake of keeping oaths does not really make good sense. Maybe one should consult with a few trusted advisors before crafting an oath in the first place. What do you think? What do you ponder?
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
O God, whose promise of eternal life for all who trust in you, this promise that we live for, we pray you keep your word of Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ and enable us, created in your Image, to also keep promises which we make to you and to our neighbors. And dear Lord God, where we fail, forgive us, and keep us we pray, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
onewhoponders 