September 13, 2009 at Saint Mark Church in Norman, OK
Isaiah 50: 4-9 + Psalm 116 + James 2: 14-18 + Mark 8: 27-35
Peter gets the word right: “Christ” (the anointed one), but not the idea behind it. Then as if that isn’t enough, the student begins to lecture the teacher! Peter is not happy with Jesus. Peter has a better idea about what it means to be the “Son of Man.” Jesus silences the disciples for fear they will spread misunderstanding rather than Good News. It is why he silenced talk of “Messiah” because it was an ideology filled with too many meanings and expectations. Once the silence is asked, an important movement takes place that we can easily pass over…….it says: “He turned around.” This is more than a physical twist. It tells us that he is moving in a different direction and deeper level of consciousness and meaning.
The “Son of Man” is one who lives in solidarity with God and others.” That solidarity with both God and others is the point. This is Jesus, and it must be the true name of all who follow him. It is the new humanity Jesus initiates.
The problem these disciples have is still a problem. Like Peter and his companions, we are stuck in our ways of thinking and our fantasies. We are stuck in our prayers, our expectations, and our way of life, even spiritually. Our images of God are often images of our selves. Idolatry is no sin of the past. We are still making our gods. Sometimes they are us. We have expectations of how God ought to behave.
We are little people always thinking bigger. If we have rank and power, it is never enough. If we have money, we always need more. If we are important, we are never important enough. We are little people with big ideas and talk and dreams of a Messiah feed this fantasy.
When the Messiah comes, he will wipe away every tear, seat people at table and feed them. He will heal every sickness, love and reward each human person. He will do everything we do not do our selves? And why is that? Why do we not dry the tears of another? Why do we not feed the hungry and bring them to this table of plenty? Because. Because we do not understand what it means to be “Son of Man”.
As Mark’s Gospel unfolds, it looks as though God is going to fix everything, and everyone comes running to get in on the action. Satan is run off, crowds are fed, the sick are healed – everyone dreams and hopes are going to be satisfied. They proclaimed his power and greatness, but he kept talking and insisting that they listen. Instead of going the way they proposed a Messiah should go, Jesus turned on them. He was a profound disappointment, and to many, he still is. He lives a life of trust in God and service of others. He does not harm other to secure his own life. Saving himself is the last thing on his mind. And so those disciples of this master become what he is. Instead of wanting to become great, we becomes small. Instead of wanting to lord it over others we grow in service. So, “one who lives in solidarity with God and others” (Son of Man)
bears burdens not grudges, is always his brother’s keeper, sees all things of this world as gifts to be shared, gives forgiveness before expecting it, and always has enough to give more to others.
To those who live in this world alone, this way of thinking is offensive. They will not look the other way. They will make us suffer. Many will be ashamed of us, take advantage of us, and ridicule us. This is the cross we must take up. Like Jesus, we will have to turn – turn away and turn toward. It is conversion to which we are called. It is a way of life, a state in life, a description of the Christian’s life: conversion. We must clear up in our minds what discipleship is all about. It is not about saving our lives, justifying our thinking, opinions, or ideas. It is not about our chronic concern to enhance our lives and secure ourselves. Our minds must be on the things of God, not on our little puny lives.