How consistent are you?

Do you favor sweet over salt, yet sometimes crave a big bag of popcorn instead of a bowl of ice cream?

Do you like to go out on Friday night, but suddenly feel the need for a quiet night alone at home?

The Bible says “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen.2:18) and yet our socialness needs relief in solitude: “I was left alone, and saw the great vision” (Dan.10:8).

Or how did we used to hear it?

“Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don’t.”

Human behavior is not always consistent. Changing our minds, changing our behavior, changing our expectations is one of the hallmarks of humanity.

What the various individuals want in this week’s gospel reading is what creates the tension in our story. For what Herod wants, what Jesus wants, what the Pharisees want, ar…