Ruminate This

A shorter passage today, but one that is filled with extreme imagery. Since the passage, and the podcast, are shorter, I encourage you to take a little extra time to read about these extreme images.

Self-mutilation is serious business, so why would Jesus use such language? Dr. Alyce McKenzie, from Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, TX states, "Obviously, no one is a biblical literalist. Otherwise there would be a lot more people with one eye, one hand, or one foot. While we don't take these sayings literally, we are to take them seriously."

Take some time to read Dr. McKenzie's commentary on this passage. It might open you to a whole new understanding of the text.

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Today's passage from the Gospel according to Mark invites us to consider who we welcome, who we place into categories of us/them, we make the other and don't view as worthy. We may do this unintentionally, yet all too often we do it.

May today's reading create an awareness, so you may overcome the many ways we dehumanize one another. May you be compassionate with yourself, then with others as well.

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"I believe, help my unbelief." Possibly one of the most beautiful, and honest, prayers/pleads in the Bible.

Whatever word, or phrase, sticks out to you, may you find comfort in the paradoxical faith presented by the boys' father in today's reading. May his prayer become your prayer, no matter what adversity you are facing today.

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Today's lectio passage is the story of the transfiguration. If you have never heard this story it may sound a bit strange. If it is fresh to you, then you may resonate well with Peter's response.

As you spend time ruminating on the text for today, may God open your eye, ears, heart, and mind to a new understanding of scripture, and of reality.

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Today's passage is a pivot point for the Gospel according to Mark. We are halfway through, and at the halfway point Peter makes the proclamation...

"You are the Messiah."

It seems to go kind of down hill after that, but this is a really important proclamation in the context of this story. As you contemplate these words of scripture, may you too be moved to make bold proclamations.

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Today's passage is a long one and a whole lot happens. Because the passage is so long, take time to read it a fourth time, on your own, if you need more time or another opportunity to fully process all that takes place in this text.

Bread plays a clear role in today's passage. This past Sunday was World Communion Sunday, what connections do you see between communion and the role bread plays in this passage?

The two step process of healing the blind man is a bit of an odd story. What might the "truth behind the truth," be communicating in the context of this passage?

As you wrestle with today's text, may God enlighten you to a new understanding, both of the text, and of yourself.

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Today's text is both challenging and gritty. This is one of the most problematic texts found in the Gospel according to Mark, yet also what gives us the deepest look into the humanity of Jesus.

Not only does he compare a woman to a dog, he also is persuaded by this woman and changes his mind. Then, he gets very personal with a deaf man. There is incredible power in the physical touch that is expressed in this story, strange as it may be, it speaks to the intimacy between Jesus and other humans in this story.

What do you find troubling in this passage? What is freeing to you? May God both challenge you and call you to action through the hearing of today's text.

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In today's passage Jesus continues to challenge the status quo of the religious practices of his day. It would be easy to think Jesus is attempting to move his followers away from the traditional Jewish practices, but it is important to remember Jesus was Jewish, a Jewish rabbi at that, and he never gave up being Jewish.

With that in mind, why would Jesus challenge the religious traditions? What might he be inviting his followers, and all who listened, to examine?

Today's passage invites us to take a deeper look at our hearts. This can be difficult, and emotionally draining work. I encourage you to find the support you need as you examine your own heart. Reach out to a pastor, a friend, or a therapist. You are not in this alone!

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In today's text we find another encounter of Jesus debating with the Pharisees. This time tradition is the subject of their debate. Jesus appears to hold scripture against tradition, all the while using wisdom to interpret them both.

In what ways do you value scripture as your guiding principle(s)? Tradition? Wisdom? What happens when one seems to contradict the other? What takes precedent in such occasions?

Notice what started the debate: a question over dirty hands. How does that influence your understanding of this story?

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We encounter another miraculous experience with Jesus in today's text. Jesus seems to be on a casual stroll, out on the lake, when the disciples see him and are terrified... rightly so.

What does this miracle convey to you, the hearer, today? From feeding 5,000 men (plus others with them), to walking on water, what is the author communicating about Jesus? about the disciples? to you? Spend some time contemplating the truth of this story, then the truth behind the truth.

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