Two Different Tracks

Gospel: Mark 9: 30-37

Throughout the Gospels we continually find Jesus and the disciples on two completely different channels.  On more than one occasion Jesus attempts to tell them about his impending arrest by the religious and political leaders, his crucifixion, and resurrection.  The disciples, meanwhile, are focused on their own importance and power.  They see the kingdom of God in earthly terms and continually vie for positioning as leaders within such a worldly realm.

Similarly, we find Jesus reaching out to heal everyone without exclusion, while the disciples repeatedly seek to restrict access to Jesus.  Whether it is women or foreigners or children, the disciples find reasons to stop people from having access to Jesus.  Yet, in every instance Jesus rebukes the disciples and goes out of his way to heal, deliver, and nourish that person in need.  

The way of the cross is the way of service and care for all people without exclusion.  Just as Jesus suffered and died for all people, so too in his ministry of healing and feeding did he care for all people without exception.  That we fail to understand and accept the cross reflects in our continued refusal and failure to care for all people.  We continue to be on a different wavelength as Jesus.  Today is a day for retuning so that we are in sync with the Lord Jesus in all things.