The Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 11: Year B
“The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught:” (Mark 6:31)
Reading these words and yet, not seeing totally what it says, happens to me often. The apostles return, and in this Gospel, they boast about all they had done and taught. They were traveling teachers. I think teaching is more important than feeding, or even healing. If a person is properly taught, they may never starve. If people are properly taught they may be able to avoid sickness, like cancer, or sexually transmitted diseases, or any other life threatening disease. Teaching is so important.
Aside from healing, this is what Jesus did, he taught people the meaning of life and he taught them about their relationship to God. In this Gospel it says, “As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things:” (Mark 6: 34).
Again, our Lord Jesus is teaching. That is what we are called to do as well. We are not called to teach people “what” to think, but rather, “how” to think. Sadly, some of us just wait for others to tell us what to think. In the same way, we are not called to teach people “who” to love, but rather, how to love all people. We are also called to at least recognize the works of Jesus where, and when it happens. Twice the word “recognize” is used to show the people identified Jesus and those whom he sent. Thank You Lord Jesus for teaching us the Way.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, the author of healing love, enable us to recognize your holy presence with us today as you did long ago and keep us ever mindful of your saving grace now and forever, Amen.
onewhoponders 