The Gospel accounts of the conception, birth, life and death of John the Baptist and his unique relationship with Jesus have led the Church to celebrate two feasts: the birth of John on June 24 and today his death by beheading. The account of John's death is a particularly striking account of how tragedy arises from human foolishness.

Herod's foolish promise to Salome reminds us of something that St James comments on in his Letter - the danger of not controlling the tongue. No doubt a whole series of things came together to lead Herod into his foolish and dangerous promise on that particular day: his birthday, his celebration with his officials, the good wine and good food that he would certainly have provided for the guests, his delight at Salome's dance. However, even though these things in conjunction gave immediate rise to the promise, Herod had already long compromised himself. He was essentially unfaithful to his Jewish faith, he was living in adultery with Herodias, he was ambivalent in his attitude to John. His consequently sinful promise was not merely the product of a moment's exuberance, but an almost inevitable outcome of compromise.