What Lasts

Fame is not always a good thing.

King Herod heard of Jesus and his disciples, 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.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 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. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 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. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 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.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” 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.” 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 6:14-29

What did Herodias do with the head of John the Baptist?

We start out with Jesus getting Herod's attention because the people are talking about him, and we wind up with all of us remembering Herodias.

Do you think she would have wanted to be remembered for an erotic dance or a severed head?

I guess we all want to be remembered.  But unless we do something great, or something stupid, only those who loved us will remember us.

And that's OK with me.  

I used to think I wanted to be known and respected by large numbers of people.  But what value is that?

Of course, back then, I didn't have the love I have today.  Sure, there was my first family, Mom, Dad, Sis, Grandparents, etc., but once you've lived in the world and made your choices, the circle of love grows and spreads.

Those closest to us are the daily expression of God's love in the world.

The story today shows what happens when there is no love in a family.  Herod was used by his wife and daughter.  He even liked John, but because he had a big ego, he gave in to a hurtful request.

Is that love?

So, this story has deeper meaning for us.  It is about the sacrifices we make for the ones we love, not like Herod, but like Jesus and John.

Fame is nice.  It feeds the ego and makes us feel important.  But the hug of a loved one is so much more powerful.

More to come...