What Do We Stand For?

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.”

A saying often mistakenly attributed to Shakespeare, but in fact was first published by Sir Walter Scott in the poem, “Marmion” in 1808.

A phrase which speaks of betrayal, and is indeed deeply tragic when applied to someone who is completely trapped in a web of sin of their own making.

In our gospel, which certainly isn’t one of the easiest to hear or even preach on, we encounter Herod who sadly embodies that quote rather well.

Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great, the ruthless King who was in power when Jesus was born, the very one who had the children of Bethlehem, the holy innocents, murdered because he feared that his power was going to be compromised.

Herod Antipas sadly followed in his father stead and began weaving his web of deceit and betrayal at an early age seeking to be named king. Instead, he was banished to Palestine where he built his capital city, Tiberias on an ancient burial ground, thereby showing his contempt for Jewish religious practices.

Later on a visit to Rome, Herod met Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. He murdered his brother Philip, divorced his wife and married Herodias before returning to Palestine with her daughter, Salome. It was here that John encountered them and issued a judgment against them because of what they had done.

It was because of this public denouncement of their marriage, Herodias hated John and wanted him killed; but, Herod took him into protective custody. Sadly, at this point the web had already been woven.

In many ways this piece of scripture could easily be likened to a mix of two of the great Shakespearian tragedies, Macbeth and Hamlet, because as the stage is set, and the web woven, St Mark begins unravelling the story of the demise not only of John but also of Herod.

Herod learned a very important lesson on his birthday, because when Salome danced for him and his guests, he made a very dangerous proclamation, ‘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.’

It was a promise that he was going to immediately regret, because he thought she would ask for material goods, but she didn’t. Instead she fell under the influence of her mother’s lust for revenge, and instead we heard that cold and calculated request, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.’

I wonder how Herod felt at that moment, did the room fall silent as it recognised in horror what had just been asked by this young girl.

There are times in all of our lives when we have spoken words, that we wish we could simply take back because we regret the promise we made. We rush to empty commitments; shallow promises or strike bargains we have no intention of keeping.

More often than not it’s little things, but Herod had just come face to face with the realisation that he is now left with an awful choice, and the choice will result in a lose \ lose situation.

Herod had to either go back on his word, and face the fallout of the broken promise made in the presence of so many, or he would have to do that which was in his power, and end this prophet’s life.

Entangled in the web of unhealthy relationships and people-pressure, Herod was pushed into doing something he really didn’t want to do. He thought more of his drunken oath and his honour before his guests than he did of the life of another, of John.

Herod was more concerned with how others regarded him and what they may think of his actions than standing up for what was right.

Sadly, this is echoed through the ages, and is still seen clearly in the actions of many today, the position we attain, the glory that is given by others for some is just too much of a pull, and it detracts us from our faith and commitment to God and following a right path of life.

No one came to his aid, to act as a moral filter to prevent him from doing something stupid – no one said to him, Hey Herod, have you really thought this through?

Herod’s story was one of impulse, pride and stubbornness, if he had done anything less, then he would have been seen as weak, his love of power overruled his principles, his concern was for how he was perceived, holding onto his reputation, which meant he ended up having little regard for truth, integrity or morality.