THE BIBLE – LEARNING FROM MARK
COMMENT FOR PENTECOST 14 – 6.09.09
Proverbs 22: 1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Here we dip into the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament where writers reflect on what it means to know God, and how to live with integrity before God. In education it is morality rather than intelligence which is the focus. There are flashes of insight full of wonder at the mystery of creation. So our “With Love to the World” suggests we use this season of Pentecost as the season of creation. We begin with Genesis where in the formless dark “a wind from God swept over the face of the waters”. Then came the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago out of which we finally emerged as part of nature and the universe. (William R Stoeger S.J., priest and professor of Astro- Physics). So we stand before God and each other in springtime, year 2009, of our common era.
Psalm 125
We catch up with the pilgrims climbing the last few hills excited at the better view from Mount Zion. There it stands firm, unshakeable, and resting on the promise of God. That is an immensely strong image for the covenant community who see the mountains as surrounding the city for protection. But there is also the fear that people may exclude themselves from the promises; hence that final prayer of peace for Israel.
James 2: 1-10, 14-17
James is a good example of those leaders of the Church who are dependable and faithful. Maybe they don’t always catch the excitement of imaginative spiritual movements, but they are always at work. James was a leader of the Jerusalem Church when his advice would be needed as they set up their organisation for food distribution (Acts 6: 1-7). Our reading finds him hard at work against any form of discrimination and insisting that faith in Christ be carried through into acts of justice and love in his name.
Mark 7: 24-37
Jesus is challenging the culture of his day for Tyre was Gentile territory though once part of Israel. The foreign woman is not overawed when speaking to a Jewish man. Jesus admires her quick response and direct request and makes no mention of “faith”. But that was obvious from the beginning and was a part of the way she deflected the reference to “dogs”. He continues his walk in unfamiliar territory and Mark notes an occasion where he helped a person with a speech impediment. Seeking privacy this event was a direct contact with the one in need. But the man who could not be understood was now praising God.
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