Saturday 12 July 2008

Background

This is the first time the Cross is mentioned in the Gospel ofMark. Living under the Romans, who used crucifixion to demoraliseand humiliate their subjects, the words of Jesus must have soundedstark. Jesus calls the crowds along with the disciples as if toleave no one in any doubt. They, as Jews, had believed that theMessiah would be a triumphant king but Jesus declared himself to bea crucified one.

The Transfiguration follows this passage (Mark 9:2-13) - whenJesus' closest disciples (Peter, James and John) saw him changedinto a radiant being standing next to Moses and Elijah. Thedisciples hear the voice of God declaring Jesus to be God's son andJesus associates himself with "The Son of Man" - a title that Jewsused for the Messiah. The idea that Jesus and his followers would"take up a cross" would be a shameful thing that radically brokeperceptions of honour and dignity at the time. The shame felt bythose who rejected this Messiah would mean that God would alsoreject them at the end of time.

From today's passage we can also see why Jesus was so harsh onPeter a few verses earlier. Peter had to grasp what kind of messiahJesus was going to be because Peter would have to grasp itliterally for himself. The history of Peter tells us that hehimself was crucified in Rome under the Emperor Nero.

We all know we will die at the end of our human existence, but theChristian dies 'now' to self and gains eternal life. To die now isto change our priorities and values. So much of what we say thesedays is associated with the market place, where goods and servicesare traded. It betrays values that have little to do with theeternal. Jesus uses this language here and asks what good is it ifgetting all you want now results in losing your eternal life?

To Ponder

People from Britain who travel to the poorestparts of the world consistently speak about the hospitality,generosity and joy of those they meet. They notice that others talkof God more freely, pray more often and give up their precious timemore readily for Church and community. Do you know people like thiswho have come to live in Britain? Have they changed since you firstmet them? Have they changed you?

How many things can you think of that you can dowithout? What would it mean if you lived without them for a week? Amonth? A year? Challenge yourself to try.

In greeting others we often say, "How are you?"How might you respond if the next person you met asked you "How isit with your soul?"