September 27, 2009 at Saint Mark in Norman, OK

Numbers 11: 25-29 + Psalm 19 + James 5: 1-6 + Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 46-48

One of the most sure manifestations of sin in our times is the human delusion that someone else is the problem. Not me. Creating scapegoats and victims is the way we excuse ourselves from every problem. It’s a small and tiny step to demonize the ones we blame, and that behavior is a set-up for violence whether it be violent words or violent action. It’s all of course about power and control. We think we have to have it, and there is never enough. There is something in us that makes us either want to play the victim or make a victim. Once we start feeling sorry for our self, i.e. “playing the victim”; we find someone else to blame or attack and that takes away our shame, guilt, anxiety or fear. But only for a little while, because it isn’t real and never works for long. The consequence however is alienation, polarization, and exclusion.

We get a look into that sort of thing with today’s Gospel and Old Testament reading. The disciples in earlier verses have been unable to cast out a demon. It is important to remember that incident which occurred prior to this one. They are down on themselves, disappointed, discouraged, and frustrated that they could not accomplish what they expected and wanted. Then someone else comes along, someone different from them, perhaps less respected and they accomplish what the apostles cold not! Suddenly the victim of failure makes another victim.

Of course, never mind, give no thought to, or even consider the person who has been relieved of a great burden and set free: the one who has been healed. It is as though that person does not matter as long the winners and losers get established in the power struggle. In the meantime, the work of the Kingdom is at a standstill, so Jesus insists that it makes no difference who does the work as long as it gets done.

For disciples of Jesus then, a change is in order. Instead of thinking about themselves with relentless competition and the constant need to be the best, the greatest, or number one, what matters is the little ones; and as far as Jesus is concerned it makes no difference who cares for them as long as they get cared for.

When Jesus talks about self-mutilation it is of course not something literal that he expects — at least not quite. What he does expect is that we root out of ourselves, cut off and cast away something that we think is just as important or as dear to us as a hand or a foot. He expects his disciples to give up their quest for power, their exalted ideas about being the best or being important, and all ideas about how things should be done and who should do them.

“Do it my way” is a constant recurring theme with people of power, and rather than have it get done another way, they would rather not have something happen at all. That sort of thinking, and that sort of behavior is the end of the Kingdom of God. Jesus would have disciples always “thinking out of the box” so to speak; always ready and willing to embrace new ways and new partners in the work of the Kingdom. For the truth is, the Spirit of God blows where it will and blows upon everyone. As a religion, we are finished with the triumphant idea that only Catholics can be saved even though some others may doubt that about us. As individuals though, we may yet have to get a little more creative and Spirit filled to see the hand of God working through people who are not like us or see the face of God in people who do not look like us, sound like us, and act like us.

Moses got it right: “Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets. Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit upon them all.”  We pray at this Eucharist today that we get it right.

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.