The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:

First Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1
Second Reading: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

Heading to Jerusalem, the journey became dark for Jesus as his heart was heavy with his impending doom of betrayal and death.  His pace was probably slower, his steps were heavier.  His heart yearned for quiet and solace.  His words sounded off…his mind was off in the sad, anxious parts of the soul.  His disciple didn’t understand what he was conveying, and didn’t dare to ask questions because they picked up on Jesus’ mood.  “Maybe it’s better to leave him alone right now…”

But as with any journey or road trip, there are conversations that just help pass the time.  And on the way to Capernaum, the disciples got into a dozy of who’s who…probably one upping each other.  They became adamant in discussing who was the greatest in the group…who deserved to be at Jesus’ right hand…who was Jesus’ go-to guy…his favorite perhaps…

Jesus, having left them to their conversation on the road, begins to engage them at the rest stop.  It must have been a strange conversation for the disciples to share their thoughts while being in a state of ego, hoping to gain Jesus’ affirmation in some way…but somehow knowing that “ego” is not how Jesus rolls.  Maybe this time, he might share that he had been thinking about the same things.  He had not.

Jesus probably sighed, as he gently drew a child onto his lap.  Then he spoke: “Whoever welcome one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”  Come on guys…Perspective.  Kingdom perspective.  Servants.  Servanthood.  Welcome.  Room for all.  All are welcome to the table.  Jesus’ impending betrayal and death is also capped by his impending resurrection – that’s power!

As with the disciples, we to are captivated by that power – but where his is King, we are servants to each other.  How does that power manifest?  It’s in loving our neighbor, whether you live in Springfield, Ohio, or Boca Raton, Florida – live in God’s power to welcome, serve, and love everyone.

—

Sandra Figueredo
Engagement Catalyst