Herodias and the Dance

Herod had put John in prison.

Herod feared John.

He knew John was righteous and holy.

He kept him safe.

He used to hear him gladly.

When he heard him he was perplexed.

John had told him it was not lawful to have his brother's wife.

And Herodias had a grudge against John.

She wanted him dead.

She couldn't have him killed directly.

She waited.

Herod's birthday came.

He gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

The daughter of Herodias came in and danced.

She pleased Herod and his guests.

The king said to the girl: Ask me for whatever you wish and I will give it to you.

And he swore to her: Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.

She went out and said to her mother: What shall I ask for?

Her mother said: The head of John the Baptist.

She came in immediately with haste to the king.

She asked: I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

The king was exceedingly sorry.

But because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to break his word to her.

He sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring John's head.

He went and beheaded John in the prison.

He brought his head on a platter.

He gave it to the girl.

The girl gave it to her mother.

John's disciples came and took his body.

They laid it in a tomb.

A birthday party.

A dance.

A promise made to a crowd.

And a man who had preached righteousness died for his honesty.

At the hands of a king too embarrassed to take back his word.

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