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Let us all be free
Jesus engages the disciples in their distraction and confusion—naming the way they are becoming the temptation to sin.
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Let’s not jealously undermine a stranger
When the disciples see a stranger exorcizing a demon in the name of Jesus, they react strongly. And to this, Jesus reacts strongly.
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Unsanctioned—for Proper 21B
When the disciples come across a stranger casting out demons, they want to stop him. Jesus has other plans for them, however.
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Between Proper 20 + 21 (Year B)
Preparing for this week’s gospel, we need to look back at what the lectionary skipped over last week—disciples’ inability and confusion.
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Obstacles – A reflection for Proper 21B
For SundayEighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Collect O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,…
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Out of Line
In Mark 9, we get a vision of the flipped script, the powerless raised up and the powerful brought low. And still, we struggle to see ourselves in it. Jesus warns that being a stumbling block deprives us all Proper 21B | Mark 9:38-50 Is the second time ever the charm? At this point in…
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Embody faith
We must read this in the context of Jesus teaching about the children. About the poor, the disadvantaged, the disempowered, those stripped of full humanity and equality in the world. The physical, living faith of following Jesus Proper 21B | Mark 9:38-50 Following Jesus The big theme of the last two weeks continues: identity. Jesus’s…