Mark 1:14-28

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. (NRSV)

Mark doesn't waste any time and gets on with the story of Jesus' call to the first disciples and his first acts of teaching and casting out demons. The thing that stands out for me today is that the "unclean spirit" knows who Jesus is and it knows that Jesus has authority over it and will destroy it. Jesus doesn't waste any time and does just that. He casts out the unclean spirit from the man. This causes the man to convulse and cry out and the scriptures say that all were amazed. The crowd had not seen anything like Jesus. They had never seen anyone that had authority over unclean spirits. The word of his teaching spread fast.

To me, this makes me consider Jesus' ministry and actions a little closer. In Mark's gospel account, Jesus is very much "on the move" and goes about teaching and preaching where the people are, where the hurt is, where the demons are. As we are being taught to "fish for people," we should go out to where the people are, show them that they are loved by God, and help them cast out the demons in their lives that control them.

It is shocking to me how much the "modern church" doesn't look like a fellowship of Jesus' followers that is working to fish for people who need their love. It looks more like an institution or organization that mostly worships together. People constantly speak of the decline in the modern church and fail to see that the fish just need to be fed. In order to feed the fish, we need to go to them instead of expecting them to swim to us. I pray that we continue to become more of the body of Christ, reaching out to the world in love and reconciliation.

Second Sunday in Lent

Mark 3:31-4:9

Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’

Again he began to teach beside the lake. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the lake and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the lake on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching, he said to them: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ And he said, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’

Mark doesn't waste any time changing gears. It feels like he forgot to put in the clutch as he quickly goes from questioning who is in the familial relationship to how Jesus' teaching is propagated. I think there is a correlation here, but it's going to take some reflective gymnastics to get there.

Jesus says, whoever does God's will is my family (my mother, brothers, and sisters). So the more profound question is, "how do people know God's will without being taught or without listening so closely that we hear it?" So, Jesus teaches them that folks only hear what they want to hear. That some with ears don't even listen, so how can they hear and respond to God's word, let alone become Jesus' family?

I've always loved the parable of the sower so much because I think it tells us not to worry too much about where you cast the seed. Some seeds will fall on good soil and grow up to be healthy plants that produce good fruit. This plant grown on good ground will also increase the yield and help others grow good fruit. While the cultivation of good soil is essential in agriculture, that's not the point. Jesus shares this teaching to show us our responsibility is to cast the seed! Share the message! Nurture the relationship and become the family!

The gap between Jesus explaining who has been grafted into his family is not far-fetched from those who scatter and grow seed. If we listen to God, we are then supposed to go out and propagate God's message. The message of forgiveness and reconciliation. The message of becoming family and among those who do the will of God. 

It's not an easy task. In fact, it takes us being indiscriminate about who we invite (where we scatter our seed). It's about us not getting a say in who is in and who is out of God's family, just because we don't think their soil is good enough. So, what are the implications for us this Lenten season? One of the questions we could use for self-examination is, "do we feel like we are a connected part of God's family in Jesus?" If we don't, then "how might we listen a little more closely and scatter seed a little more recklessly?" If we do, then "what might we do to grow closer to Jesus to carry out his mission of reconciliation?" 

Remember that we are children of God, and our purpose is to live the message of love and reconciliation of in Jesus... and we listen closely so that we can live as part of his family that follows God's will with our message and our actions.

First Friday in Lent

 John 3:22-36 (NRSV)

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized— John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison.

Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.’ John answered, ‘No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.” He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.’

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." To me, this is the most significant phrase in this pericope. I've written about John before and his efforts to point to Jesus with everything that he does. This is another prime example of John playing a good second chair. John must decrease so that Jesus can increase.

Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside and were across from where John was baptizing. The scripture says that Jesus and his disciples were baptizing. John's disciples were obviously thinking that Jesus was trying to take John's followers. So, they rushed to John and told him that Jesus is baptizing and "all are going to him."

John is quick to remind them that Jesus was first and will always be first. He reminds them that he was sent ahead so that he might prepare the way. John compares what he is doing to "the friend of the bridegroom," (John) who rejoices at the bridegroom's (Jesus) arrival. And now that the time has come, John tells them that Jesus must increase, but he must decrease. John must do his part, and in all things John does, get out of the way of the mission that Jesus has.

Today's scene is mesmerizing to the point of watching John, who is highly regarded by his followers, give up his power and position to Jesus. John knows that this is his purpose, and it doesn't worry him that people are going out to be baptized by Jesus. He knows that Jesus offers them life beyond life, in the presence and in connection with the creator. 

John is a model for us today of what it means to give glory to God. In his case, his followers seem to see Jesus as a threat, but not John. John sees it as an opportunity to point others toward God's grace and glory. Today, my lenten questions are: how often do we give up our glory for the glory of God? Do we see ourselves as loved by God so much that we want to share that love with others? Do we think we will lose something if we point others in a direction away from ourselves and toward God? How do we decrease so that Jesus can increase?

 

First Thursday in Lent

John 3:16-21 (NRSV)

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’

Why is it that we see these signs with John 3:16 at sporting events and on yard signs? Do folks believe that someone will see that sign, know instantly that it refers to a bible verse, and run out, look it up, read it, believe, and start living differently? I'm not sure it works that way. Maybe that's why, even as a priest, I'm turned off at these hollow public displays of faith. 

Let's dig into the practice a little. I understand that it started in Boston in the 1970s as a way for evangelical Christians to propagate the Gospel. Their idea was to put John 3:16 on a sign and hold it up at a game. If the game is televised, more people would learn salvation and everlasting life through Jesus. The verse, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life," seems to display the complete message, or does it? The question that I have is, "is eternal life" the ultimate goal? I don't mean to be cynical here, but what is it that were are striving for? 

Or, are we striving for a life more connected to God in this life? Are we living to be closer to our creator? In doing so, are we becoming more responsible to those around us (our neighbor) and the environment (God's creation)? Are we loving God and loving our neighbor like God's only Son asks? Some would say that belief is enough... if you believe, you are in, like it's some sort of club for eternal life. That's partly why I cringe at isolated scripture texts without some context. 

John 3:16 is part of a more extensive explanation of who Jesus is. Yes, Jesus is the one that reconciles the world to God and Jesus is the one that provides us a way to have an eternal presence with our creator after this earthly life is over. However, Jesus is also the one who is the light that shows us the way to be and live in a relationship with God and with one another. A relationship that needs to be nurtured with practice. Not that we can do anything to earn God's love, but that we act out of and in response to God's love.

I'm not sure what, if any, converts to the faith these signs bring. But I do know, for me, it lacks context for those who are not familiar with the Holy Scriptures. If you asked someone on the street what John 3:16 was, they would say it was a Bible verse but wouldn't know what it said or meant. 

During the lent season, we are encouraged to engage in practices that draw us closer to God. If holding up a sign at a game does it for you, then rock on. I'm not condemning the practice. But, be ready to respond to the question, "why are you doing that?" by offering the story of Jesus calling us into a life of love and relationship. 

First Wednesday in Lent 2021

John 2:23-3:15 (NRSV)

When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

The Pharisee, Nicodemus, came to Jesus "by night." I am sure that he was afraid of what others might think if he openly endorsed this itinerant teacher from Nazareth. Nicodemus believed in Jesus and his teaching and wanted to know more. He had already experienced the miraculous acts or "signs" that Jesus did. So, without telling his fellow Pharisees, Nicodemus sneaks out for a one on one with Jesus.

The encounter is intimate and life-giving. Jesus and Nicodemus are sitting there in the evening chatting about theological concepts. You can feel the energy building in the text as Jesus reveals to Nicodemus what it is to experience the Kingdom of God after being born anew. As a Pharisaic teacher, Nicodemus should have known more about the spiritual nature of re-birth. After Jesus explains it, Nicodemus is astonished. His only response was, "how can these things be."

I've heard many over the years about being "born-again" or "reborn" or "born from above." I'm not sure that neither they nor I understand the complexity of what it means to be "born anew." I think that the faith rebirth comes from knowing and living for God rather than for the world or self. I feel that comes from caring for those that God cares for and comes from knowing that you are forgiven and have the chance to right the wrongs. 

Nicodemus was probably not a coward but saw his meeting with Jesus as controversial enough to keep it a secret. This makes me think... How often do we "hide our faith" for fear of ridicule? And if we do, are we really living like we have been born anew? If being born again means knowing and living for God, how might we respond more fully with a faith-filled life? The world waits for signs that God is real. However, those reborn in God are doing very little to show the world who God is.

First Monday in Lent 2021

John 2:1-12 (NRSV)

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days.

"They have no wine!" Now that's something you don't want to hear at a party, especially a wedding. In this story of Jesus and his disciple's attendance at the wedding, we don't even know who is getting married because that's not the point. Jesus' presence and his action are. This is held up as Jesus' first miracle, the one that revealed his power and glory, and the scripture tells us that when his followers saw, they believed.

There is an old joke among those denominations that didn't subscribe to the temperance movement. It goes something like, "our lord knew how to have a good party; his first miracle was making wine out of water." I'm not bashing those who wish to abstain from alcohol. However, those who want to forgo shouldn't tell those who partake every now and then that they do something religiously wrong. But this story is about more than that.

This account of the revealing of Jesus' power and glory sets the stage for John's gospel, letting us in on some of the miraculous things that we shall see as it unfolds. Something that we wouldn't expect. Things like restoration, healing, prophecy, and casting out demons. Jesus is on the move, but first, he and his followers are at a party with their friends. A party for a wedding that lasted 7 days in the Jewish tradition. No wonder they were out of wine.

This Lent is a time for self-evaluation and reflection on our relationship with God. How do we live more fully into a relationship with God? How might we acknowledge the power and glory in the life of Jesus with our actions? How will we help others enjoy the party?

Last Friday after the Epiphany 2021

John 1:35-42 (NRSV)

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter).

Come and see! It's just that simple. There are no problematic hoops to jump through, no pre-requirements, no physical exam, no test to take, and nothing to do but come and see. We sometimes forget how simple Jesus' invitation is. 

In today's reading, John the Baptizer has just claimed that Jesus was the "Lamb of God." Andrew and another disciple of John heard John say this and immediately followed Jesus. When Jesus saw them following, he simply asked, "what are you looking for." After Andrew and the other disciple asked where Jesus was staying, Jesus told them to come and see. In the church, we have brought this simple invitation further into the Episcopal Church's catechumenate process. Admission to the catechumenate begins with the question, "what do you seek?" and the response is "Life in Christ."

What strikes me is how "different" this call story is compared to the synoptic gospels. In Matthew, Jesus is walking along the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22), and in Luke, Jesus is standing beside the lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1-11). One thing for sure is that Andrew was a fisherman, and so was his brother Simon. In John's account, Andrew is responsible for bringing his brother Simon to Jesus. 

Then comes one of my favorite parts, probably because I like "nicknames." Nicknames are terms of endearment that we bestow on others (family and friends) that we care about. After knowing Simon all of 2 minutes, Jesus calls him Cephas or Petros (Peter), which is basically calling him Rock or Rocky (I'm wondering what Dwayne Johnson and Sylvester Stallone think about that). The term means something substantial here because he recognizes Peter as a dependable person, grounded... one on which he will build his ekklesia (community or church). But it all started with the simple invitation to "come and see." I also suggest that the invitation didn't go to Simon (or Peter), but it went to Andrew, his brother. His brother, Andrew, went and brought Simon to Jesus and said to him, "we have found the anointed."

God calls us through many different avenues at many different times (not just 4pm). It comes through sisters and brothers, family and friends... and the invitation is always simple, "come and see." Experience what the ekklesia has to offer, see what purpose it might give to your life. Lent is a time of connection and reconnection. This is how we are connected in the community of believers, and it is the way we can connect with others. Who have you asked recently to "come and see" what life in Christ is all about?

Luke 9:18-25 (NRSV)

Thursday after Ash Wednesday
March 2, 2017

Luke 9:18–25

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”

He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?” (NRSV)

Who do we say that Jesus is? The followers of Jesus were confused. They didn't understand who Jesus was or what he came to do. The phrase that stuck out to me today was "who do you say that I am?" Considering that it took the church well over 300 to 400 years to agree who Jesus is (and some groups are still arguing about that), I think it's important for us to reconcile in our heads who Jesus is / or who we say Jesus is... 

I can't even imagine being told "not to ell anyone." However, I understand that if Jesus' immediate followers were to tell anyone who Jesus is, then he would have been taken away and executed too soon, before he fulfilled his purpose. Therefore, they had to wait until the prophecy that Jesus laid out came to fruition. 

As disciples... as followers of the way of Jesus... as ones who proclaim him as Lord and Savior, how hard is it sometimes for us to proclaim who he is? And how do we do that without sounding wacky? I personally think it's how we follow. The key to this is denial of self, like he says. If we acclaim Christ as central to our life and work than Christ must increase and we must decrease. That doesn't mean that we matter less. It means that we put the principles and precepts that Jesus teaches us ahead of personal desires. Things like loving God above all other and loving our neighbor. 

The denial of self is difficult. It's a daily struggle as we order priorities and strive to seek Christ above all others. We need to realize that as difficult as our life may be, it is transitory. The real reward is to dwell in the presence of our creator in the eternal Kingdom that Jesus is pointing to.

Things to think about... Who do you say that Jesus is? If he is Lord, follow him! If he is King, honor him! If he is Prophet, listen to him! If he is Priest, let him show you the way to God! If he is Light, let him reveal to you those things hidden in the shadows. If he is God, then let his love surround you and hold you up in this life until you can be restored with all of creation in the eternal Kingdom.

John 13:36-38 (NRSV)

Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward."  Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now?   I will lay down my life for you."  Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me?  Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.

“I will lay down my life for you,” says Simon Peter.  Peter is an honest and good disciple.  He is genuine in his promise to stand by Jesus through thick and thin.  However, Jesus knows that even Peter will waiver when faced with extreme adversity.

Today is Good Friday, and our Gospel lesson from John is short.  Our focus today is on the cross and the crucifixion of our Lord.  In that context, this Gospel reading means to me that even the most devout will be challenged.  Jesus tells Peter that even though he will not be able to follow now, he will follow afterward.  Peter promises to stand by Jesus and lay down his life.  However, we know that Peter denied Jesus as Jesus predicted.  Peter denies Jesus three times.

The call that I hear today is not worry, but stand firm as we can in our path as we follow Christ.  God understands how tough it is.  Peter was bold in his faith, and was a straight shooter, always proclaiming Christ, spreading the Good News of God’s salvation.  However, when faced with adversity, Peter buckles under the pressure and denies Jesus.  What makes us think that we could do any better than Peter?  We could only hope that we would have an ounce of the faith that Peter had, and be willing to proclaim Christ when we are faced with challenge.

Mark 14:12-25 (NRSV)

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?"  So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'  He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."  So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, he came with the twelve.  And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me."  They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, "Surely, not I?"  He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me.  For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been better for that one not to have been born."  While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body."  Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it.  He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.  Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

“New in the Kingdom of God” is the phrase that stands out today.  I envision everything made new in the Kingdom of God.  Many argue whether the Kingdom of God is something to come upon earth or if the Kingdom of God refers to an ethereal heaven.  All I know is what scripture tells us about the Kingdom, and in this passage it would seem to refer to heaven where Jesus drinks the new wine.

This scripture passage is perfect for today which is Maundy Thursday.  This is the day that Jesus commands us to continue the practice of repeating his last supper until he comes again.  In the act of remembrance, Jesus is present with us in the breaking and sharing of the one bread and the drinking of the wine which is his body and blood.

In Mark’s Gospel story, Jesus’ last supper is set in the context of the Jewish Passover meal.  The Passover meal for the Jewish faith is a anamnesis, or a calling forward of the events when Moses led Israel out of Egypt through the Red Sea.  As believers in Jesus, we share this tradition of anamnesis, and recall Jesus’ new covenant with us in the ritual meal of bread and wine.  The promises to us are a share with Jesus in the resurrection, and an eternal life with God.  In this passage, the disciples would understand what a blood covenant is.

In the beginning of the passage, Jesus knows what the disciples will encounter when they go into the city to prepare the Passover meal.  He gives them specific directions and describes what they will find.  At the table, Jesus even predicts his betrayal from those among him.

Our call today is in the first part of the passage – in the preparation.  As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord, we are to prepare to celebrate His feast of the new covenant.  We are called to prepare and participate with him at the meal and on the journey to the cross.

Maundy Thursday is the night when Jesus was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane after celebration the most sacred meal of the Jewish faith, a reenacted memory of God’s salvation of God’s chosen people.  The Christian commemoration of the night remembers the great feast and the arrest of Jesus and leaves us in the darkness of the garden.  For us it is a powerful calling forward of that wonderfully terrible night.

Mark 12:1-11 (NRSV)

Then he began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country.  When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard.  But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed.  And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted.  Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed.  He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'  But those tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.'  So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.  What then will the owner of the vineyard do?  He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.  Have you not read this scripture: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'?"

“Beloved son” is the term that stands out to me today.  We know Jesus as the only beloved Son of God.  In the parable story that Jesus tells, it is easy to place Jesus in the role of the beloved son that the tenants of the vineyard seized, killed, and threw out of the vineyard. 

Parables are succinct stories that have no historical integrity but display events so that they have an alternative meaning and a lesson to be learned.  Jesus uses parables to explain situations, and this parable of the vineyard owner is no different.  The vineyard owner has been paralleled with God, and the ones sent to collect the produce are the mighty prophets of old.  Jesus himself is the Son.  The tenants are the world and could be Israel in this case.  Jesus sites for them a psalm that they would easily recognize (Psalm 118:22-23).  The audience would immediately understand that the story Jesus is telling has a distinct meaning for what is about to happen to him.

The tenants have been given great responsibility for the vineyard, which is well equipped with a fence, a wine press, and a watchtower.  God has given us everything that we need, yet we continue to turn our backs on God, not acknowledging all the wonderful blessings.  The world has rejected and killed all the prophets of God and then reject and kill the beloved son.

The call today is not simple.  It involves understanding and accepting the responsibility to care for the creation (the vineyard) that God has provided for us.  In that, we are expected to honor and respect God’s prophets.  It also involves placing Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, at the foundation of our life so that everything else aligns with Him.

Mark 11:27-33 (NRSV)

Again they came to Jerusalem.  As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, "By what authority are you doing these things?  Who gave you this authority to do them?"  Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.  Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?  Answer me."  They argued with one another,  "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'  But shall we say, 'Of human origin'?"- they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet.  So they answered Jesus, "We do not know."  And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

“By what authority are you doing these things?”  The chief priests, elders, and scribes ask Jesus about his authority again, wanting to trick him.  The tensions are building as the religious leaders become more threatened by Jesus’ teaching.  They want him out of the way because he is gaining a following and people are beginning to believe in him.

Most of the questions from the leaders in this passage are about authority.  They ask how Jesus has authority to do the teaching, healing, and casting out demons that he is doing.  By asking the question the leaders attempt to defame Jesus, and cause the his followers to become skeptical.  As believers, we know his power is of God.  However, if Jesus were to answer, he would risk committing blasphemy according to their standards.

Jesus tells the leaders that if they will answer one question, he will tell them where his authority comes from.  If they don’t, he will not answer them.  Jesus presents them with a catch-22 situation in his question about the baptism of John.  The leaders opt not to answer.  Therefore, Jesus doesn’t reveal to them the source of his authority.  This buys him a bit more time to carry out his mission.

The call that I hear today is have faith.  Those of faith know Jesus’ authority comes from God.  Mark’s audience would realize that.  The encounter with the religious authorities is a victory for Jesus and makes the leaders appear weak.  By pleading ignorance, the leaders give Jesus a silent affirmation.  If we hold onto the faith, we are not able to be tricked by those who would rather we not believe in Jesus because it doesn’t suit their agenda.  

Mark 11:12-25 (NRSV)

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry.  Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it.  When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.  He said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it.  Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple.  He was teaching and saying, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'?  But you have made it a den of robbers.”  And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching.  And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.  In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots.  Then Peter remembered and said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered."  Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.  Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you.  So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses."

The word that stands out today is “forgive.”  Among all the talk about fig trees and driving the money changers and merchants out of the temple, Jesus tells the disciples to forgive anything that you have against anyone.

The meaning of the cursed fig tree is strange.  It almost seems that Jesus was "cruel" and unjustly condemning.  To see a leafed fig tree, even at an unseasonable time, warranted the assumption that there would be fruit on the tree.  But this tree was an oddity; the leaves were there, but it was fruitless.  This phenomenon, therefore, served as a perfect “visual aid” for an important lesson that Jesus wanted to teach.  Jesus has talked about fruit before and the responsibility to bear good fruit (referring to the believers obligation to spread the Good News).  The fact that the fig tree did not have any fruit, and then was withered, parallels Jesus teaching about those that don’t bear any “fruit.”  This was discussed on March 7, 2012

The fig tree incident surrounds Jesus driving out the moneychangers from the temple, saying that it is a house of prayer.  The placement may have an indication of the importance of the use of money.  If money or currency is used in a manner that doesn’t give glory to God, then it is accursed.  However, if it is used to assist in the building up of the kingdom of God, to care for others, to provide for the needy, to bring about social justice, to make sure churches and temples represent the best we can offer, then we bring forth “good fruit” for the kingdom of God.

We should always use all that we have all the time to bring glory to God.  That’s the call that I hear today.  We have a responsibility as believers to express our faith by the way we live our lives.  This includes how we use our resources.  If we give a tithe (10%) to our churches, then our churches are able to operate and help society provide much needed support to those in need.  This all boils down to what is in our heart.  Do we have a thankful heart of forgiveness or do we have a selfish heart?

Luke 19:41-48 (NRSV)

As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, "If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.  Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side.  They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God."  Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer'; but you have made it a den of robbers."  Every day he was teaching in the temple.  The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.

‘Rampart’ is the word that stands out.  I also feel that it is central to the reading.  Some people don’t know what a rampart is.  It is a fortified wall or barrier.  Jerusalem of antiquity is a fortified city with a wall around it to protect it.  Jesus has arrived at Jerusalem and the first thing he does is weep for the city and the people that he loves.  To me this is in direct contrast to the thought of “ramparts.”  I will say more about that in a bit.

Even though this isn’t the Gospel according to Mark that we have been reading through, it seems fast paced to me and gets very quickly from his arrival to him driving out the sellers from the temple.  I feel that Mark offers more detail even though Luke has the reputation for detail.

From the onset of this passage, Jesus offers a ‘prophecy’ of the destruction of the fortified city of Jerusalem.  He shows emotion, a deep sadness and weeps because the people are destroying themselves by turning away from God.  They fail to recognize that God is with them in the person of Jesus.  When he enters the temple, his sadness turns to anger and he drives out the merchants and moneychangers.  This confirms his feeling that the people are destroying themselves.

Sadness and anger are very deep human emotions.  Jesus opens up and displays these emotions, making him vulnerable to ridicule and persecution.  However, he doesn’t display them inappropriately.  He has every right to feel the way he feels.  I feel that in order to be receptive and learn we need to be open and a bit vulnerable.  The call for us today is to take down the barriers that we have put up in order to protect us from the things we fear.  We shouldn’t be afraid to be who we are and appropriately show emotion.

Mark 10:46-52 (NRSV)

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside.  When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you."  So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.  Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again."  Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Again, Jesus says “What do you want me to do for you?”  It is interesting that in the span of a few verses, the Gospeler has Jesus saying the same words.  It stands out to me again as the prominent phrase.  The blind man, Bartimaeus, answers directly that he wants his sight back.

Jesus and the crowd are on their way out of Jericho on their way to Jerusalem when they encounter Bartimaeus, a blind beggar.  This time the man that hey come across has a name, Bartimaeus.  His name literally means, “son of Timaeus,” so it’s almost redundant to say that he is the son of Timaeus.  He must have had some significance for his name to be mentioned.  The scriptures don't often reveal the names of the people Jesus heals.

Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy and is heard by the crowd passing by.  He acknowledges Jesus by his birthright as a descendant of the great King David.  Jesus sends for Bartimaeus and the disciples retrieve him.  Bartimaeus leaves the security of his cloak and goes to Jesus.  Jesus asks Bartimaeus “what do you want me to do for you?”  He doesn’t lift a finger (unlike before) and tells the man that his faith has made him well.  Bartimaeus immediately follows Jesus on the way to Jerusalem.

When we get to the low points in our lives, it’s then that realize that we so desperately need God.  Bartimaeus realizes that he needs the healing power of God in Jesus to regain his eyesight.  His condition has caused him not to be able to function normally in society so he is forced to beg for a living on the outskirts of town.  Jesus restores him to society without any effort but a word.  We are called today to understand that we need God always; in the good times and the bad.  When we are “with God” we have a full, rich, and fulfilling life regardless of our handicaps.  Bartimaeus realized that he continued to need God after he regained his eyesight, because even after he was healed, he followed Jesus on the way.

Mark 10:32-45 (NRSV)

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again."  James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."  And he said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?"  And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They replied, "We are able." Then Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."  When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John.  So Jesus called them and said to them, "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them.  But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.  For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Jesus asks, “what is it you want me to do for you?”  This is the phrase that stands out and is an excellent response to anyone when you desire more clear direction.  I have personally used this phrase and it seems to stop people in their tracks, especially when they want something from you.

The scriptures have been building up to this.  Through the last few chapters of Mark, Jesus has been on his way to Jerusalem and the fate that awaits him.  Jesus knew what was ahead and so did his followers.  He was walking ahead, and those following were afraid.  Jesus shares with the disciples what they already know to be true.  James and John are worried about who is to take over once Jesus is killed.

Nothing infuriates an organization worse than a power vacuum.  Jesus sets it straight, saying that there is no use arguing over who “sits at the right hand” because it already belongs to who it is prepared for.  However, Jesus doesn’t say who.  Jesus then explains “servant leadership” and sacrifice.  He says that the conventional leadership as they understand it (like a tyrant over gentiles) doesn’t work in the kingdom of God.  Roles and expectations are not what we expect to see.

Jesus explains that a leader who “serves” others was not the norm in society (and it’s not the norm today).  And sacrificial actions were considered a display of weakness.  The call that I hear today is to model Jesus’ “servant leadership.”   Be a servant leader and seek to serve other and be among those who serve.  Lead from within and make sacrifices of yourself to behalf others.

Mark 10:17-31 (NRSV)

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.  You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'"  He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth."  Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."  When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.  Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were perplexed at these words.  But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."  They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?"  Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."  Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you."  Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."

A man asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  This earnest question is on the heart of all believers.  Today, Jesus offers the man and us a direct answer.  However, like the man, we may not like what Jesus is saying at first.  This scripture passage was also delt with on 2/5/2012.

The concept of wealth is a serious matter, especially in our capitalistic society where money is the scorecard by which people are measured.  It is almost as if society says, “he who dies with the most toys, wins!”  Jesus gives us a different opportunity to follow in a way that frees us from the bounds of society’s fixation on money.  He says that one must not be bounded by or governed by money.  The man in the scripture goes away grieving.  I wonder if the man sold his possessions.

If we sell everything we have, are we guaranteed salvation or eternal life?  I’m not sure that Jesus intends for us to live in poverty.  However, some have embraced this manner of life.  Having resources and money (like anything else) are hindrances to our salvation if we let their importance come between us and God.  Jesus wants us to understand this, emphatically.

Jesus uses hyperbole again, as he explains that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.  This is a ridiculous comparison, but makes the point.  He contrast this impossible feat by setting up the relationship that “for God, all things are possible.”  Jesus says that the believers will receive their reward now and in eternal life.

The call that I hear today is for us to be responsible with what God has entrusted to us.  We, as holders of the resources, should be diligent about building up the kingdom of God and using our wealth and resources to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Mark 10:1-16 (NRSV)

He left that place and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them.  Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"  He answered them, "What did Moses command you?"  They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her."  But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you.  But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."  Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.  He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."  People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.  But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

The disciples spoke sternly to the children.  This initially stands out at me.  It makes me initially think that the disciples don’t like children, but after thinking about it, I feel they were just worried about Jesus being bogged down with all the attention he was getting.

This passage is full of Jesus’ teaching the crowds that had gathered.  A portion of this passage is found on 2/5/2012.  The Pharisees are at it again, testing him by asking questions about the law of Moses.  These questions are about divorce and the legalities thereof.  Jesus says that Moses gave them the law of divorce because their hearts were hardened, and explains the intent of the law.  He clarifies the intent of the law and relationship between the man and woman becoming one flesh.

The scripture says that people were bringing children to him in order for him to lay hands on them and bless them.  When the disciples spoke sternly, Jesus rebuked them saying that the children should come to him.  He uses this situation to explain more about the kingdom of God, saying that one must receive the kingdom like a little child.

Little children have a naiveté, vulnerability and a willingness to listen and receive.  Jesus doesn’t say that one must receive on “blind faith” or be uninformed.  I think that we must make ourselves vulnerable and willing to receive, taking the promises of God on faith.  There lies the call in today’s passage.  We are called today to be vulnerable and willing to receive the kingdom of God, thus making ourselves available to God as little children.  (there is a deeper reflection concerning children on Feb 5th)