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Death even in the cathedralWednesday, December 30, 2009
Matthew 2:16-18 Herod was a little boy once. No one killed him. He grew up and became twisted and selfish. He strove to become the lord of all, the Subject to whom all bowed as objects. He failed. The more Herod tried to be like God, the more he became aware of God's power. And he was sore afraid. Deepak Chopra wrote, "There is only one alternative to serving God out of fear. Serve him out of love" (Jesus - A Story of Enlightenment, p. 165). Herod intuitively understood the power of love and flinched away from it in panic and horror. He did not learn the essential lesson of surrender: since I cannot avoid death I can open my eyes and arms to it and discover what happens next. As George MacDonald wrote, "We die daily. Happy those who come to life as well." Herod withered up into himself. What was he trying to protect? Who did he think he was? He ended up with nothing, as nothing. And what of me? What do I try to protect? Who do I think I am? Jesus loves me and says, as often as he knows I need him to: "David, do not be afraid. I am with you. No shadow will hide you, and no eagle will tear you from my arms." There is no need for me to kill anything or prevent anything. As for all that dying that comes for me? God will guide me through it piece by piece. "Hold on," Satan whispers. "You must understand this. Don't let go. Protect yourself." No. When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." There is nothing there is nothing there is nothing, Lord, to fear. You are God. And behold! You make all things new. |
Because he was jealous, insecure and afraid, King Herod the "Great" feared the birth of Jesus. When he failed to identify him, he had many children killed in hopes of including Jesus. Satan filled his ears with whispered assurances and affirmations. He knew nothing of God's love.