Sunday November 4th, 2018 24th Sunday after Pentecost Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" (verse 28)
“Jews” in John represents those who oppose Jesus, who call for his death, and who later reject those who believe. So we hear mocking in these words. If Jesus is really who others say he is, if he’s done all these things, then why did he let this one, one of his friends, die? Yet, Mary asks much the same. Nor is it different from what we say, think, or pray, when someone we love dies, when we hear of multiple causality tragedies, or when we see lives lost due to terrorism and war. “Why, God, why did you let them die?” We don’t receive a miracle answer. Still, the good news is that in the midst of our questions, in the midst of death, Jesus comes to us, sits with us, and listens to us. Those we remember, God also remembers. Our Saviour takes us by the hand, lifts us up, and offers healing and life, including the hope of one day being reunited with all the saints.
In your love for us revealed in Christ, you call us to love one another. Help us, O God, to live in this way to your glory. Amen. — MHD
Contributed by Loved and Loving
"Jews" in John represents those who oppose Jesus, who call for his death, and who later reject those who believe. So we hear mocking in these words. If Jesus is really who others say he is, if he's done all these things, then why did he let this one, one of his friends, die? Yet, Mary asks much the same. Nor is it different from what we say, think, or pray, when someone we love dies, when we hear of multiple causality tragedies, or when we see lives lost due to terrorism and war. "Why, God, why did you let them die?" We don't receive a miracle answer. Still, the good news is that in the midst of our questions, in the midst of death, Jesus comes to us, sits with us, and listens to us. Those we remember, God also remembers. Our Saviour takes us by the hand, lifts us up, and offers healing and life, including the hope of one day being reunited with all the saints.
