“Do you find it hard to imagine that good Christian people, that the Church itself, might put a stumbling block in someone’s path that would impede their way to God? How about the thousands of people throughout the world who as children suffered abuse at the hands of clergy, and who continued to suffer as the Church denied and covered up the awful things that had been done to them?  Or what about gay people who internalized the message they received from the Church that God hated them and that they had no place in the Body of Christ?  What of people of color who have been long been discriminated against and marginalized by the Church?  Or the poor who struggle every day simply to survive, and can’t help but notice how easy wealthy Christian suburbanites have it?  Or women, striving to live into the fullness of what God has called them to be in the Church, but still too often denied opportunities to lead?  Or disabled people who wonder if the Church cares enough to include them?” In this timely teaching, Br. David Vryhof challenges us not to dismiss as “mere” hyperbole Jesus' graphic and harsh teachings in Mark 9:38-50, or we may miss out on a truth that must be heard and must be taken seriously, in our current moment more than ever.