Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 32
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45
Once more, this week the Lectionary provides us with the option of a longer and a shorter reading from Mark’s gospel. How much is lost should we choose only the shorter one!
Mark is so skilled at confronting us with the sorts of tensions that challenge the communion that Jesus invites us to form with him and with each other. And what a service he provides by showing us how the tensions we grapple with were there right from the beginning, causing even the twelve to stumble while they learnt to live like Jesus.
The community that listens to and learns from the gospel of Mark cannot but be familiar with teaching that enables humility and our ever-need for the patience of the Lord.