The story of Herod beheading John the Baptist is probably familiar to many. I found it tempting to just stay with the superficial aspects of the narrative since it is so familiar, however, because we are asked to go deeper in prayerful reflection, several new aspects of the story manifested. Since Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins I assumed an emotional tie between the two. Perhaps they played together as children although they probably lived a good distance from each other. We know that Jesus sought out John for his baptism in the Jordan, an event that revealed the Father’s love for Jesus and which started Jesus on his life’s mission. So when Jesus was told of the death of John, the impact had to be strong. How did Jesus handle his grief? He retreated to a place where he could be alone, most likely to pray and process his grief. In today’s world I imagine many people grieving at the unjust murder of their loved one resort to violence, anger, loss of faith.
The inciting event that lead to John’s murder sprung from Herod’s impetuous , perhaps incestuous, desire to please his wife’s daughter to express his pleasure on seeing her dance for him and his assembled crowd. He rashly promised the girl anything she wished. Consulting her mother, the girl responded she wished the head of the Baptist on a platter. Herod was aghast but his pride would not let him deny her his promise. He had to save face front of the assembly. So a thoughtless promise sprung from misguided desires and fear of losing status resulted in a gruesome outcome.
I review any promises I make to others and to myself for what lies beneath as the true motive. “I’ll call you” or “We must get together soon” or “I will drive carefully” and “Don’t worry, I will be home on time” . Promises often made to get one’s way, to appease, to be socially correct but not honest. False promises harm, destroy trust, and communication becomes a farce. Relationships based on slippery false promises are not relationships at all.
I cast the first stone at myself: Years ago I promised myself I would pray the rosary every day. Of course I found excuses - too tired, too busy etc etc. When I finally - and I mean finally - realized what I was doing, no matter the lateness or the desire to avoid living up to my promise “just this once”, I surrendered. Now it is my deep pleasure to pray the rosary every day, often for someone I know who needs prayer, sometimes telling one who has been exceptionally kind that day that the rosary tonight is for them. I never get an angry response. The promise I have wrestled against for years has become a great consolation and blessing for me.
Wishing you all good promises!
Suzanne Braddock
Creighton University and I are old friends, first as a medical resident in a program shared with The University of Nebraska then forty plus years as a parishioner at St John’s, the campus church. Now retired from a gratifying but busy medical practice I enjoy the quiet hours and nature.
Writing these reflections is a challenge and a grace, bringing me closer to the meaning of the Scriptures and the love God wants us to understand.
