SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2024 | AFTER PENTECOST - Proper 5 (B)

Revised Common Lectionary 6-9-2024: Proper 5

Old Testament & Psalm, Option II

Old Testament Genesis 3:8–15

Psalm Psalm 130

New Testament 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1

Gospel Mark 3:20–35

Notes:

Genesis - Man blames woman, woman blames the serpent -> it is sad really, not taking responsibility for your decisions and actions

2Cor - call to be steadfast even in the face of troubles. However, it shouldn’t mean destruction of environment, doesn’t negate good stewardship

Mark - A lot to unpack, but of note is that even his family wasn’t getting it yet. We are looping back to the beginning of the gospel.

Journey with Jesus: Year B's Gospel readings (primarily Mark) present a fast-paced narrative of Jesus' ministry. Sermons can explore how we journey with Christ through challenges, miracles, and teachings, emphasizing discipleship as an active walk.Kingdom Encounters: Mark's Gospel is filled with encounters where Jesus' authority clashes with expectations. This theme can unpack how encountering the Kingdom of God disrupts our norms, challenges our assumptions, and calls us to radical transformation.Prophets and Kings: Year B's Old Testament readings highlight the stories of prophets and kings, often revealing their failures and God's unwavering faithfulness. Sermons can explore themes of leadership, humility, repentance, and God's relentless pursuit of relationship.The Unexpected Messiah: Mark's portrayal of Jesus often surprises and confounds. This theme can delve into the unexpected nature of God's work, challenging us to embrace mystery, question our preconceived notions, and recognize Christ in unexpected places.Radical Hospitality: Year B readings feature instances of Jesus welcoming the marginalized and challenging social boundaries. Sermons can explore themes of inclusion, compassion, justice, and the transformative power of God's love that extends to all.

Good morning,

We continue our After Pentecost tour. In Genesis, we can see the blame game unfolding that is so characteristic of our human condition - man blames woman and the woman blames the serpent for the eating of the fruit of the tree of knowing good and evil, contextually most likely a fig (definitely not an apple). Unfortunately, we do not know if the serpent owned up to his role in it all or blamed somebody, perhaps Satan or similar. Then the author of Second Corinthians (not certain if Paul for real) calls on us to be steadfast in the face of troubles and for us to remain fearless as this world is not all there is. And then finally, we have an early part of Mark, where Jesus must contend with accusations of him being aligned with the Evil one and “out of his mind,” not even his own family being on his side, at least not in this instance.

It all points at the messy, broken world we live in - where shifting blame is rampant, adversity on every corner, and well, misunderstandings happen a lot, like really a lot. But through it all, the patience of Jesus shines like a beacon of brightness in a rather dim world. Jesus is once more showing an exemplary restraint in the face of outrageous slander - poking holes in their reasoning, him casting out demons in the authority of the Evil one makes zero sense. It talks of the twisted nature of our world - good deeds may result in punishment and good intentions may result in suspicion or even opposition.

For some reason, caring for the Palestinians is casted by some as being Antisemitic (even though Arabs are also Semites in the end), defending the right to make decisions about their reproductive facilities of those that carry children may be interpreted by some as being against “traditional family values”, or wanting to have reasonable gun acquisition and use laws may end up being reviled as “anti-freedom.” In other words, a mindset of “if it doesn’t fit in my worldview, then it must be bad, wrong, and against me and my interests.”

Which Jesus subverts himself, when he stops his disciples from intervening with the work of those that cast out demons and heal the sick in his name without affiliation to them, quote from later 9th chapter:

The New Revised Standard Version Another Exorcist

38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someonet casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

Of course, we know there are many that proclaim their allegiance to Jesus, but then their actions speak against that as they instead hate, wound, and harm. They claim the inspiration and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but I very much doubt they actually follow it - that is an example of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, I think.

As followers of Christ, I believe proclaiming our allegiance is less important than our actual deeds that seek the betterment of our communities and all of their members, being steadfast in our belief in Kingdom of God, where everyone and everything will be provided for, cared for, and loved. We are not living in that kingdom yet, but as Czech Theologian František highlighted long time ago:

The New Revised Standard Version (Do Not Worry)

But strive first for (or work first towards) the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Let us strive, for so much more than this world offers! Amen.