Good Clean Fun
Many parties start out as a group of family and friends getting together to share in friendship and camaraderie. Good food, good drinks, and lots of laughter. Then something goes wrong. Perhaps someone had a little too much to drink. Boasts are made. Challenges follow. Then somebody says, “Here! Hold my beer! Watch this!” And it will always spell trouble. Someone gets hurt physically or emotionally. What started out as good clean fun has ended tragically.
Herod was known for his parties. Overeating. Overdrinking. Overindulging. He was known for his boasting and braggadocio. To prove that he is someone important he makes wild statements and this time he has gone to far. The girl asks for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
When you have over committed, promised too much, what do you do? Herod is a coward. He knows that following through on his boast is terribly wrong and sinful. But to save face he has John beheaded. It takes courage to admit you are wrong. Not only was Herod a coward but he was vain, weak, and self-centered. He was more worried about his reputation.
The virtues of temperance and moderation should always be on our minds and in our hearts. Following Jesus takes courage. Admitting when we are wrong means we humble ourselves. Be safe this weekend.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen