Mark 6 : 1 - 13
New Revised Standard Version
The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
1-6 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown and among their own kin and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.
The Mission of the Twelve
7-13 Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff: no bread, no bag, no money in their belts, but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from John:
Sometime while in college, I had a hard conversation with my parents. I shared some pains I was experiencing in our relationship and made requests to both of them for different behavior. It was one of the scariest conversations I’ve ever had, even though I had (and have) really great relationships with both my parents.
The same fear bubbles up in me when I’m compelled to confront a friend or a co-worker.
So too does my sense of offense rise when I’m confronted by a friend or a coworker. Or a family member.
No one likes to be challenged.
No one likes the prophets.
Rarely is being the prophetic one fun.
And the tension rises when the prophet is someone close to us.
Someone who knows our own complexities, and of whom we know theirs.
There’s more to lose when the relationship is close or intimate.
When it’s someone you are relying on to be an ally.
When we can’t simply shake the dust off our boots and walk away, but still have to live with them.
Why would someone who knows us ask us to be different? Doesn’t she love me just the way I am!? Where’s the grace and the understanding!?
This dynamic seems to be what Jesus is experiencing with his hometown. And my assumption is that it is what compels him to send out the disciples without extra gear or money. Our relationships change in moments we realize we are dependent on each other. When it is only the Other’s hospitality that will sustain us. Even when we have truth to speak, something changes when we are vulnerable in front of an Other we are tempted to discredit or disown or demonize. When we become more than the objects of our narratives about each other and instead give and receive the permission of authenticity. When we submit ourselves before the mirror of truth that’s been set in front of us.
No one likes the prophets.
No one likes being the prophet.
But prophets force us to face each other.
And ourselves.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Got a problem that needs a creative solution? Ask three co-workers for advice!
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
Consider a basic human need you have that is currently unfulfilled (food, shelter, connection, play, etc). How can you honor your own need and the needs of others this week?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Caregiving (Loving God through compassion and service for others):
Spend 5 minutes scrolling through your connections on social media. Are you aware of anyone who could use some love? Send them a caring message!
Questions for Reflection
How does your nervous system respond when you have hard truth to speak to someone? When someone has hard truth to speak to you?
How can your self-awareness regarding your response above help you navigate tense relationships?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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