The story of an insane, self-important, opportunistic, incestuous, tyrannical (but pretty small-time) political family is dropped into the Gospel of Mark just as Jesus' ministry is taking off: Herod. He thinks he can stop the Gospel message, but the Gospel cannot be stopped. Where there is oppression, there are prophets who name it and call it out. John way beheaded for it, but his message found new life in Jesus, and as Jesus disciples we are called to do the same to our leaders...some of whom may bear a striking resemblance to the Herod family.
Mark 6:1-29
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artwork: Salome and the Head of John the Baptist by Caravaggio