Before his ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jesus prayed an intimate prayer for us that we be one, holy, catholic and apostolic. From αποστολειν, we are called to be sent out to share the good news of new and eternal life present in the redemptive love of God through Christ.
This week we get a good look at what it means to answer that call, to stand against that which separates from the life we are called to live. Sometimes we have to abandon the old and familiar, and what others want us to be or do to bring about God's kingdom. We are warned by God, speaking through the prophet Samuel, about what happens when we ignore God's call and wishes for us, and get what we ask for instead, when Saul was anointed King. Examining the scripture from Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15), compare the acts and desires of earthly Kings and the character of God as ruler in Psalms 130 and 138.
Jesus is on the go in Mark's gospel. He is constantly beset by crowds, sometimes desperate for his healing and teaching. Can you blame them? As his fame grows, there are those who seek to trap him, to mock and jeer at him because he doesn't satisfy their concepts of who he should be. Even as he drives out demons, some said he was Satan's agent in casting out demons. Even his family doesn't understand him. For what ever reason, they called to him to come away from what he was doing. What was Jesus' response? Who does he say are his brothers and sisters? Read
“Jesus the Home Wrecker, “by Bishop William H. Willimon, and think about why Jesus left his home and family. What kind of family are we as Christians called to be? What does it mean to be part of God's family?
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