Mark 6:14-29
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”
17 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. 18 For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 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.
21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22 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.” 23 And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”
24 She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25 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.” 26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother.
29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
The Voice of Conscience
Today's Gospel invites us to think about our reconciliation with our own conscience.
We are invited to read the text as if we are present at the festive party, celebrating Herod Antipas' birthday, paying attention to the smallest details in the story.
Laurie Parrish (AKA: Trip Mama) at Machaerus in Jordan. The remnants of Herod Antipas’ palace are on top of the hill.
Herodías, Herod's illegal wife, is there. She carries her hatred and grudge against John the Baptist, whose voice disturbs her entire life. Invited and also gathered there are many high ranking leaders under Antipas. Now add a young lady who looks very attractive and, by her dance, is going to charm the king and his guests. Meanwhile, John is imprisoned in the same palace and can most probably hear the sounds of the party.
Do we remember John responding to those asking him "who are you?" and how he responded to them, "I am the Voice of someone shouting in the desert" John 1:22-23?
John's voice resounds in the conscience of Herod Antipas (meaning the little). The truth that hurts urges him to repent. His conscience bothers him for the evil he did against John. He will be more fearful when he hears about Jesus performing miracles.
Instead of pleasing God, Herod decides to please his self-pride and care for his reputation more than for truth and integrity. He just wants to "save face."
Evil generates evil, crime generates crime. Whoever does not submit to the voice of conscience acts undeterred from evil and sinks into a coma of darkness.
The fruit of hatred and conspiracy lead to bringing John's head on a platter but can never extinguish or exterminate his Voice.
May our hearts, minds and consciences be lifted up, obeying God's voice within us. Repent to be God's image and voice wherever you are and at all times!