Dangers from Religion and Politics: Gospel of Mark series

GOSPEL OF MARK SERIES.

Welcome again to my Gospel of Mark Series. 

I have not written for this series since January 2015, but as I am half way through Mark’s Gospel, I am determined to recommit to this series, and in the process gain a fuller understanding of Mark's Gospel. So why recommit to the writing of this series now you might wonder?  

I was at Mass during the week and it was the feast day of St Mark.  During Mass, my mind wandered for a few moments and wondered about this series.  I knew I had not finished it completely. I committed myself during Mass to complete it.  The second reason also occurred to me in Mass.  We are also liturgically in Year B on Sundays- the Year of Mark.  More importantly, my purpose is not only share my study of Mark, but to invite us to read a personal meaning into it from the situation of one's own lives.  

 So, with these reasons in mind, let us begin again with the Gospel of Mark Series.

During the remainder of 2018, each week, I will write a weekly Tuesday post about the Gospel of Mark, as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark.  I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season.  In today's post, we explore chapter 8: 14-21 which is called Dangers from Religion and Politics.

DANGER FROM RELIGION AND POLITICS.

It is not only the Pharisees who fail to understand (8:11-13). The disciples too, who are with Jesus always in journey and observe all He does and says, do not yet understand who Jesus is and what is the power He brings into the world.

In this passage, Jesus points to the lack of understanding in his disciples.  They fail to grasp the real meaning of His words and actions as they travel with Him in His journeys.  The disciples need to guard themselves against the same evil motives and dispositions, or 'leaven', which Jesus sees in the Pharisees and the Herodians.

The leaven of the Pharisees is contentment with their limited interpretation of God's law and their narrow religious practices, and so they fail to see the power God in the works and words of Jesus. The leaven of the Herodians is probably their abuse of political power, failing to respect the dignity of people and the justice due to others.

The dispositions and motivations for their lives, which Jesus desires for his disciples, will be very different, neither trusting in limiting views of God's law and religious practice as the Pharisees do, nor becomes slaves to selfish ambitiousness for political power, like the Herodians.

When Jesus crossed the lake after the first meal in the desert, there was an argument with the Pharisees (7:1-23) and a discussion about bread ( 7:24-30).  Likewise, when He crosses the lake after the second meal, there is again an argument with the Pharisees (8:11-13) and now in in this passage a discussion about bread (8:14-21).

Jesus challenges his uncomprehending disciples to a deeper level of faith in His person with one question after another.  The bread that they really need is what Jesus offers in all he does and says.  It is the power of God to gives live and freedom to people.

In our journal and/or our discussion group we may wish to reflect on this passage as follows:

·         Name the key points that you have learnt about the person of Jesus in this passage of scripture?

·         Imagine that you are one of the Pharisees and or one of the Herodians.
What do you see and hear and feel. What can I learn from this?

·         How do the questions of Jesus in this passage resonate with you? 

·         How would you respond to Jesus regarding his questions?

·         Reflect on my relationship with Jesus and this teaching in the light of this gospel passage. 

·         What impact does Jesus’ teaching have on you (8:14-21).

·         How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally. 

·         If you were to meet a fellow parishioner who was interested in reading gospel of Mark, what would you say to him/her about this passage?

·         If a fellow parishioner had read this passage, what might he/she say about this passage?