SENSUAL DANCE AND HEROD
1Thess.2:1-8/ Ps. 139/ Mark 6:17-29
Mark 6:17–29 describes the beheading of John the Baptist by Herod Antipas (King Herod, with the title tetrarch—ruler of a quarter). He was a callous and debauched man who, possibly to fortify a political relationship, first married an Arab princess. When he traveled to Rome, his half-brother, Herod Philip, entertained him. In his immorality, he went after his brother’s wife and snatched her (Herodias). John the Baptist scolded him (Mark 6:18), but he got John arrested and eventually beheaded to honor the vow he made to Herodias’ daughter, who danced on his birthday.
Herodias’ daughter gave Herod and his guests a sensuous dance performance. A prostitute would normally have performed such an erotic dance. Obviously, Herod’s mind would have been clouded by lustful thoughts and fantasies. Beloved, some dancing steps are ungodly. In this s3x-saturated culture, don’t just follow trends; learn to discern the truth. It is very much possible that Herodias’ daughter was twerking before Herod Antipas. Today, our streets, both online and on land, are littered with sexually provocative dancing steps—thrusting hip movements and a low squatting stance. Ours is a generation of flaunting curves. Sensual dance plus wine equals Herod’s insensible decree. Be careful, watchful, and vigilant.
We must be cautious not to make hasty declarations or pledges. When we are angry or agitated, some of us impulsively utter the most horrible things even when we don’t mean it. Words have powerful ability to offend and hurt. It is actually ‘think before you speak’, not ‘drink before you speak’. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “Do not be quick with your mouth; do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
Herod Antipas made a rash promise under the influence of wine. We must be careful with the way we consume alcoholic contents. Many have been rendered useless due to intoxication; others have poisoned themselves with domestic violence and fatal and ghastly accidents. The Greek poet Hesiod once said, “Observe due measure; moderation is best in all things”.
Lastly, in the face of much opposition, John did not give up on his mandate to proclaim the truth. We are challenged to proclaim God’s word, irrespective of attacks. Let us stand as soldiers of Jesus Christ and further the course of truth and justice today.
LET US PRAY
Lord, this is hard. It needs courage and self-sacrifice. It is an uncomfortable job, but I will not run away from it. Come and act in me and not in me alone but in all men. So that we may reveal not your bloody, but your glorious face on earth. Amen.
St John the Baptist, pray for us
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
