July 23, 2006 At Saint Mark Church in Norman, OK
Jeremiah 23: 1-6 +Ephesians 2:13-18 +Mark 6:30-34
Such a short Gospel passage, but so much going on! There’s that boat again taking them to the others side. We have had boat trips with Mark’s Gospel before, always crossing over the waters. When you hear those stories, think of the church: think of companionship, think of how to get from this side to the other side, and when you do, you are embraced by the richness of Mark’s images and message. Then there is that deserted place he takes them to. There is nothing there. Lest they think that all they had done and taught was about them, he took them off to remind them that God was the source of their gifts, God was the one who really sent them, and it was God’s mission they were to be about. Then there is that crowd who never go away, from whose needs there is no hiding place. Finally, the best lesson of all. When there was every reason for frustration and impatience, Pity was what they received from Jesus, and instead of saying: “Can’t you see I want to be alone?” He began to teach them many things.
The first challenge we have from this Gospel is to place ourselves in this story. If, as I said last week, he sent out the “twelve”, which means everyone is sent, then there are no spectators. So, we might wonder a bit this morning about what report we could give on what we have done and taught. But maybe the story is not just about these apostles or apostolic people. Perhaps it is about people who will seek Jesus no matter what the inconvenience. Getting to the other side of that lake is no easy walk. Those people had to go to that desert to find him. Next week we shall hear more of what they received from him. There is then a place in this story for those who have needs. Mark tells us what we shall find if we are willing to go after it. Finally, there is Jesus. What he does, any of us can do. Nothing extra ordinary nor particularly divine. He has pity. He sets aside his own plans and agenda to be attentive to others. I like to think it’s about “interruptions.” Long ago I discovered that the interruptions of my day are most often the best moments of my day. He thought he would have a great time in that deserted place listing to the apostles. Instead, he had a better time teaching that crowd who sought him at considerable inconvenience about his Father. So much for his plans! Because he could surrender them without complaint or resentment, more wonderful things happened.
So, on a hot July weekend after a blistering week of terrible heat, we gather here in a somewhat deserted place. We are reminded as we do so that we shall eventually have to report on what we have done and what we have taught. We are reminded that making the journey here with our needs in spite of the inconveniences and much more comfortable options is where we ought to be with the one who receives us with patience and pity, understanding and concern. We are reminded too that our agenda, our plans, our expectations might well be interrupted by the needs of others, and that no matter where we try to hide from or deny them, the needs of others will not go away. The only response to those needs fitting for those who would be in this boat with Jesus is patience, pity, and a response that is truly divine. We have to find our place in this story.