The normalcy of a remarkable life
Proper 27B | Mark 12:38-44
Digging into this gospel, let us remember the scene—Jerusalem, the end of the road. The final test. It is Tuesday of that time we call Holy Week. Jesus arrived on Sunday with great fanfare. Then came to the Temple on Monday, flipping tables and driving out the moneychangers and dove sellers for compromising God’s house of prayer with their unjust economic systems and cozy relationship with Roman oppressors.
Jesus came back to that same place where he caused such a scene the day before and began to teach as large crowds formed around him. Some Pharisees and elders tried to trick him, but Jesus sprung the trap on them. Then some Sadducees did the same—and with the same result. Chief priests and Scribes, too. And through all of this, Jesus confounds his critics, amazes his disciples, and delights the crowds. Jesus offers good news to the people most affected by the structure of the world: the poor and powerless, the outcast and the sinner, the sojourner and the seeker.
And then Jesus offers his final word to them. …
The full text may be found here.
For a limited time, you may find the audio here.