Our Season of Creation this year begins with humanity. Today we remember that we as humans are not separate from creation, but an integral part of this delicate web of life God has lovingly and painstakingly created. Jesus asks us to consider whether we as humans are placed here to lord over or partner with?
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 2:4-15, Mark 10:35-45
We know God shows no partiality and yet Jesus at first does not want to help this family because they are not Jewish. Even Jesus has grumpy days and needs to be able to listen with compassion. We too are given permission to be human, have grumpy days and in the end remember – compassion and empathy can win every time. (Please note, the first few minutes of Pastor CJ’s sermon were unfortunately not recorded due to technical issues.)
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 146, James 2:1-10, Mark 7:24-37
Faith and religious practice have lost their center in this week’s readings. Quoting Isaiah, Jesus calls into question “This people” that “honors me with their lips” but whose “hearts are far from me” (Mark 7:6). Some in the religious community have begun focusing on surface matters (the washing of hands, what one eats, the traditions of the elders) and have forgotten the core. What really matters is how one’s faith is expressed in mercy, in words and actions that build up rather than tear down the neighbor.
Accompanying Scripture:
Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8,14-23
“This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” Jesus’ teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood isn’t something we can figure out and accept on our own. The good news of Jesus is too radical, unsettling, and illogical for us to accept. In this last week exploring Jesus as our Bread of life, we embrace the surprising gift of the Holy Spirit despite our doubts and confess alongside Peter, “O Jesus, you have the words of eternal life.”
Accompanying Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-20 Psalm 34:15-22, John 6:56-69
“Come and dine,” Lady Wisdom beckons to us. “The table is set and there is a place for you.” Jesus echoes this invitation by saying he is the living bread for us to eat. This is a free party and all are welcome. So what is stopping you?
Accompanying Scripture:
Proverbs 9:1-6, Psalm 34:9-14, John 6:51-58
Jesus expands on this imagery of bread to be bigger than feeding us one meal. Jesus is the bread of life for today, tomorrow and forever. Regular bread can sustain us for a little while, as well as be a wonderful comfort to us. But the bread that Jesus is talking about is the sustenance we need for eternal life.
Accompanying Scripture:
1 Kings 19:4-8, Psalm 34:1-8, John 6:35, 41-51
After feasting on bread and fish, Jesus retreats and the crowd follows. As their stomachs begin to grumble again, they ask Jesus for a sign. Is he the one they have been waiting for. . .he may have fed them once but will he be able to support them for a lifetime? Jesus responds I am the bread of life. Just as God provides manna in the wilderness, Jesus promises to give us what we need for each day and more.
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15, Psalm 78:23-29, John 6:24-35
Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel, Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.
Accompanying Scripture:
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 2:11-22
Sometimes being a disciple of Jesus is risky business. It may mean we aren’t popular or well liked. It may mean we have to share a hard truth. And yet- Jesus reminds those disciples, we have all that we need to bring God’s love to the world around us.
Accompanying Scripture:
Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 123, Ezekiel 2:1-5
When Amos reports his vision of God judging Israel for its mistreatment of the poor, he becomes a threat to the power of the priests and the king. John the Baptist also speaks truth to power, and Herod has him killed. In Herod’s fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God’s saving love.
Accompanying Scripture:
Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 85:8-13, Amos 7:7-13
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