Psalm 19: 8, 10, 12-14
James 5: 1-6Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48
The second half of today's Gospel is one of those that can leave us scratching our heads. That's a bit harsh, isn't it, Jesus? Jesus, as good teacher and storyteller, was not afraid of hyperbole and exaggeration to get his point across (he did hang out with fishermen, after all!). And what point was his trying to make there? Simply- following him has got to be our focus. And if our actions (hands) or path (foot) or influences (eye) are diverting our whole-hearted loyalty from him, we've got to remove that distraction.
The first part of this Sunday's Gospel pairs well with the first reading, from the Book of Numbers. In both accounts, people without the 'right credentials' are doing God's work, and confounding/annoying those 'in the club' in the process. Both Moses and Jesus remind their followers that it's not about competition, and as remind us that we can't dictate to God who will be called and gifted for service.
- What are your particular gifts?
- Have you ever felt constrained in using them?
- What barriers do we (as a nation, neighborhood, church, coworker, etc) place in others' way that keep them from fully utilizing their gifts?
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