Matthew 14:3-12: The Death of John the Baptist
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Henri Regnault: Salomé
Plotters lie in wait for years if need be; those who seek vengeance have infinite patience and determination. They use any means and they go to any lengths to achieve their purpose.
What do we say to Salomé if anything? What do we do in this moment of terrible waiting? Do we speak or do we remain silent in fear? Are we distressed as is the king? Do we encourage Salomé as does Herodias? Do we gloat? Do we smile? Do we turn away? Do we cry?
Prompted by her mother . . .
How and what do we enact in peace?
Because of his oaths and the guests who were present . . .
Why do we allow society’s pressures to squeeze us into places of no return?
Give me here on a platter . . .
What terrible requests do we make of God in our moments of anger and fear? What petitions do we lay before him? Does our whispering instigate devious plans or do we speak and work for peace and reconciliation at all cost?
Let us spend some time today with Salomé and wonder who we are and where we stand. And let us consider what it is we might ask for on shinning bright platters.
A re-post from September 8, 2012.
To read more about Henri Regnault and his work, click on the image above or go to: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/16.95
Image from: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/16.95
The Noontimes 