Drew Downs

Make a New Normal

Proper 21B

  • Jesus engages the disciples in their distraction and confusion—naming the way they are becoming the temptation to sin.

  • When the disciples see a stranger exorcizing a demon in the name of Jesus, they react strongly. And to this, Jesus reacts strongly.

  • When the disciples come across a stranger casting out demons, they want to stop him. Jesus has other plans for them, however.

  • Preparing for this week’s gospel, we need to look back at what the lectionary skipped over last week—disciples’ inability and confusion.

  • 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,…

  • 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…