15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

David danced before the Lord with all his might
~2 Samuel 6:14
 
When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests
~Mark 6:22
 
This is one of those Sundays when the scriptures are thick with imagery and human drama. Arguably, they are at their best at these times—paralleling the complex reality of our experiences, connecting with the story of our own lives.
 
Dancing and feeding. Performative acts, perhaps, but somehow leading to meaningful social change. For better or for worse. They invite us to ask of ourselves how we use moments and sometimes people to, at best, transform or, at worst, to coerce. To practice religion is to engage with questions of power and purpose trusting that the Spirit of truth and newness will abide with us.
 
David dances before the ark, a symbol of Israel’s God coming home…and the securing of a political dynasty. The gospel text finds us at a dinner party deep in the inner circles of Herodian power. Politicians, military brass, community brokers who have come to this table by virtue of many bartered choices that both empower and now constrain them. Choices have consequences. Some heads are going to roll.
 
As people of faith, we are called beyond the transactional nature so familiar to our culture and climate to ways of truth and love. What might we make of the choices and the opportunities we have?
 
Enter into worship.
 
Readings: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 † Psalm 24 † Ephesians 1:3-14 † Mark 6:14-29
 
About the Art: St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness (Detail). Kehinde Wiley, 2013. Retrieved on July 8, 2024 from: https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhibitions/wiley.

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