We are wayfarers, following your paths
Pilgrims on the way to the end of the age
We are travelers on the road to freedom
A community of love
With good news for all we meet
Jesus says
Behold I am with you
Song “Make me a channel of your peace” https://youtu.be/ihhvm6eLWZI?feature=shared
God of love and forgiveness
Save us by your tenderness
From each deed that is destructive
From careless thinking
From words that hurt
Save us by your love and forgiveness.
In Jesus Name we pray. Amen
We say the Lords Prayer in our own language
Song “When I needed a neighbour” https://youtu.be/B7a7LdgRh-k?feature=shared
Reading Mark 6v14-29
Reflection
Life sometimes throws us into terrible situations. They are not of our choosing but simply because of who we are or what we believe, people despise us.
Jesus didn't begin his ministry until after John was arrested. Miraculous powers followed Jesus, but not necessarily the disciples. King Herod ruled from 4BC-39AD over the areas of Galilee and Peraea. The people thought that Jesus was another Elijah who prepared the way of the Messiah, or that he was a prophet like Elisha.
Herod hears the different opinions and gives his. He thinks he is John the Baptist, who he beheaded, raised from the dead. Herod had sent guards to seize John, had him bound and put in prison. Josephus the Roman historian wrote that John was imprisoned in the Machaerus a fortress in Peraea.
Because of Herodias.
Under Roman law Herodias was legally able to divorce her husband Philip, but under Jewish (Levitic) law, Herod was not permitted to marry his brother's wife. Herodias was bitter against John and so she had him arrested. John had told Herod that he had no right to marry his brother's wife. So Herodias wanted to kill him.
But Herod had a respect for John as well as a fear and had listened to him.
Finally,Herodius got her chance. Evil people love a gap in the fence like foxes. Salome danced a sexual erotic dance. John is the victim, Herodius is the bully, Herod is the one with power who was set up, Salome was used by her mother.
John's disciples, now mostly Jesus' disciples buried him.
People with responsibilities have to make difficult decisions. And decisions have consequences. The Old Testament gives us the injunction from God to choose life.
In our story Herod like Pilate after him has to make a series of difficult decisions. The decisions he makes are all compromised. Compromised by political unrest, by power brokers (the Jews) and by his wife. Some people in society act as moral beacons. John the Baptist was such a man. We need such people. Can you think of any?
Herod’s decision about John the Baptist is swayed by lust. His lust is disgusting but very present in our world too. His decision results in the death of a good man. But all decisions have consequences. Maybe he didn’t sleep so well that night!
Our own moral well being depends on making good choices but its not easy. Sometimes we are forced into a corner like Herod. At times like this we have to do the best we can to repair the situation. Even saying sorry to someone you’ve wronged is healing. Christians should be the first to apologize. Our decisions affect us mentally and physically, affect our society and the world. We must choose loving constructive decisions. Even in the face of threats and bullies. Our wellbeing depends on it! Amen
Our Prayers for our world, our countries, our communities, our families and friends and ourselves
Song “As I went down to the river to pray” https://youtu.be/zSif77IVQdY?feature=shared
Airs
We believe in God
Who has created us and sustains us
Who has come in Jesus
To reconcile and make new
Who works in us by the Spirit
So that we can be Gods people on earth. Amen.