Dear St. Paul’s Family,
Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard
with orders to bring John’s head.
He went and beheaded him in the prison,
He went and beheaded him in the prison,
brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl.
Then the girl gave it to her mother. (Mark 6:27-28)
Then the girl gave it to her mother. (Mark 6:27-28)
How’s that for a happy story?
I had been reluctant to preach the lectionary text for this Sunday ever since I put the current Mark sermon series together weeks ago. I have managed to avoid preaching on the beheading of John the Baptist for the past fifteen years, but this time it seemed inescapable.
Aside from its obviously disturbing elements, this narrative is bizarre in its placement. Mark awkwardly wedges it in the midst of a string of about a dozen miracle stories, even utilizing an odd segue: a flashback scene into the mind and memory of King Herod. The story appears to serve little purpose in advancing the story of Jesus, as it interrupts the disciples’ first missionary venture and has nothing to do with Jesus’ message or mission. Given that Mark is widely known for his crisp, efficient storytelling, this story feels like an unnecessary slog.
It was not until last week’s conversation with Grace, my supremely intelligent 11-year old, that I gained an entry point into the story. The girls and I had gone downtown to watch the latest Spiderman movie, and she later peppered me with questions about the death of Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben. Why did he have to die, she wondered. And why are there so many stories in which the hero loses a loved one?
She and I quickly came up with other examples: Bruce Wayne loses his parents prior to becoming Batman. Luke loses Yoda before his final battle with Darth Vader. Harry Potter loses his godfather Sirius, then his beloved headmaster Dumbledore, prior to fighting Voldemort. The Avengers lose their friend Agent Colson, which motivates them to band together.
I told Grace about an author named Joseph Campbell, whose book A Hero with a Thousand Faces is one of the most illuminating analyses of Western culture ever written. Campbell theorized that all heroic stories have common elements, including the presence of a trusted mentor or guide. That person is responsible for transitioning the hero into their extraordinary adventure, preparing them for the dangers and risks that lie ahead. Often, it is the death of that mentor that prompts the hero’s crossing of the threshold into the start of the heroic quest.
John the Baptist plays a prominent role in Mark’s gospel from the beginning, as early as the second verse of the whole book, where John’s ministry is introduced. Mark would have us believe that John plays no ancillary role in the life of Jesus. He is as significant to the Messiah as Yoda was to Luke, Sirius was to Harry, and as Uncle Ben was to Spiderman. In his cousin John, Jesus could ground his identity and remember his primary purpose on earth. And his death, while tragic and grotesque, becomes a critical moment in advancing the quest of the Messiah to save humanity.
There is more to say, of course, about this enigmatic story from Mark’s gospel. This Sunday, we’ll dig deeper into its meaning, beyond the shock and gore. But for now, this story prompts a question: Who are the John the Baptists in your life? Cicero said, “The life of the dead is placed in the heart of the living.” You and I journey along our own heroic quests to embody the love and power of God to transform the world. We walk in the wake of loved ones whose sacrifice illuminates the way of faith. Take a moment to think about those loved ones who have gone before you, whose example and guidance continue to mentor you in the “heart of your living.” Give thanks to God for these saints, whose ongoing influence accompanies you along your way.
Grace and Peace,
Magrey
The Rev. Magrey R. deVega
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
531 W. Main St.
Cherokee, IA 51012
Ph: 712-225-3955
Email: mdevega@sp-umc.org
Mark 6:14-29
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’
15 But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’
16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’
17 For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her.
18 For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’
19 And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not,
20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.
21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee.
22 When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’
23 And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’
24 She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’
25 Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’
26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.
27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison,
28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother.
29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
RAGBRAI HELP NEEDED
Thank you to all those who have already volunteered their time and materials to help both of RAGBRAI hospitality efforts get off to a good start. To date, we still have need in the following areas for the big event on Sunday, July 22:
· Four or five individuals to volunteer at the “Cowboy Oasis” on our church property, serving sandwiches, corn, desserts, and drinks from 11am-3pm.
· Bakers to help bake an additional 200 individually wrapped brownies, bars, and desserts, following specific recipes to be provided.
· Folks to help bake an additional 50 homemade pies, to help broaden the variety of the many apple pies already baked by the church Pie Ladies.
If you care to help in any of these areas, please respond to this email or contact the church office, and we’ll get you further details.
TECH VOLUNTEER NEEDED
Once we move back into the sanctuary, we will be needing additional volunteers to help run the video and computer equipment in the back of the sanctuary. No experience is necessary, and you will help make enhance worship for many people each and every Sunday. If you are interested, please contact Bob Simonsen or the church office.
SOLES 4 SOULS
There is once again a large box in front of the bathrooms at the main north doors of the church to receive your used shoes of any size, style, and condition. Your contributions will be sent to people in need all around the world.
FIRE RECOVERY UPDATE
Sanctuary – The new carpet is being manufactured and will be installed by the end of the summer. The same is true for the pew cushions, which are being rebuilt by the original manufacturer and will be reinstalled around the first week of September.
Kitchen and Dining Hall – The Building Committee and Trustees have had many long, extensive meetings with the architects and engineers to finalize the last of the plans for the new kitchen and dining hall. We suspect that sometime by the end of July or early August, we will bring to the congregation these plans for your feedback. We expect that sometime after or around our return to the sanctuary, we will be ready to begin construction in those areas.
To view past editions of the Mid-Week Message, visit http://mdevega.blogspot.com
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