Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!

Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you." And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

- Mark 10:46-52

In yesterday's reading, Jesus and the disciples were going up the road to Jerusalem. He was walking ahead of them, and they were amazed. Then He took them aside again and told them what was going to happen to Him at Jerusalem. "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again." John and James Zebedee came to Him. They said, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask." And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They wanted to sit on His right and left hand in His glory. He told them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They indicated they were able. Jesus told them they would indeed do both, "but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared." Speaking to all the disciples together, He said, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. To my mind, this is a sad picture, one of great pathos. It's not just blind Bartimaeus we might see here, but the connotations of Jericho are important. Jericho is the sight of the great battle of victorious Israel, led by Joshua after the long wandering of Exodus. With a great shout and the blowing of the trumpets -- the heralding of God's kingdom -- the walls of Jericho gave way to Israel. We might think of blind Bartimaeus in a sense as the state of Israel at the time of Jesus' life. The people need help, they need someone who will bring back the true spirit of faithful leadership, they need vision. "Joshua" and "Jesus" are in effect the same Hebrew name (in English we read them differently due to translations over the centuries from language to language). It means "God is Salvation."

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Again, we have a hint about Jesus' identity as leader, and His ties to the history of Israel. He is "Son of David" -- in the lineage of the king whose rule would unite the two kingdoms, north and south, Israel and Judah, if only for a time in history. The psalms tell us the whole history of Israel, and even prefigure the story of Jesus' life. The great bulk of them are by tradition attributed to David, who was also a musician and shepherd. They remain the prayers of the Church, in an unbroken testament to their spiritual power for both Jews and Christians.

So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you." And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" This statement, "What do you want me to do for you?" is the same question Jesus asked His closest friends, James and John Zebedee, in yesterday's reading. Blind Bartimaeus, the beggar, is approached in the same way.

The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. In these spare sentences, we have the power of the faith of Christ revealed. He who was prefigured in Joshua, who is the Son of David, has a leadership for a new way of victory. That victory is in faith, in opening our eyes to truly see. It is a restorative faith; "God is Salvation" teaches us what it is to be "well." In this is our salvation, our trust. Blind Bartimaeus, no longer blind, follows Jesus down the road. In Greek here, the word for "road" is the same word used for the "Way."

What does it mean to be "saved?" The salvation history we read in the Bible tells us of the history of Israel, and then the coming of Jesus Christ, His apostles and those who would come afterward to spread this faith to the whole world. In this salvation history there is the constant purpose of God, of YHWH, to which we are always called back. It is always characterized by a message of love. The early Israelites were given a Law that would enshrine the importance of community, in the care even of the stranger (as they were strangers in Egypt), of the widow and the orphan. So often in the Gospels, Jesus will call others back to the true purposes of the Law. Here, blind Bartimeaus is treated even as His closest apostles and friends were treated, with the question, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The "shout" of Israel led by Joshua is now the shout of Bartimaeus, needing help by the side of the road. It is our cry to God, "Have mercy on me!" What does each of us need? What do we want Him to do for us? In this question is everything. David loved the Lord with his whole heart and mind and soul, and we can see that in all the psalms. Let us consider the leadership offered by Christ to everyone, the Son given to us "for God so loved the world." Let us follow in His leadership, His Way, for what must be our own victory, what will truly make us well.

You do not know what you ask

Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then he took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him. "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again."

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask." And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on your left, in Your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

- Mark 10:32-45

Yesterday, we read of the young man who came running to Jesus, to ask, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus first of all pointed to God, saying that only God is good. He added, "You know the commandments. 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'" The man said that he had kept them all from his youth. Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." At this the young man was sad and went away, because he had many possessions. Jesus said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The apostles were astonished and asked who then could be saved. Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." Later, Peter pointed out they had left all for Him. Jesus told them, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then he took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him. "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again." This is the third warning Jesus has given His disciples. It is also more detailed than before. He is making it explicit to them: He'll be handed over to the Gentiles (the Romans); He'll be humiliated, tortured, treated with contempt, and killed. He again repeats the prediction of His Resurrection.

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask." And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on your left, in Your glory." Once again, the disciples interject a note of concern for greatness in His kingdom. This time it's the brothers James and John Zebedee who ask to sit at His right and left hand. Perhaps, as is also possible in the previous reading (here), it's because they misunderstand about His Resurrection.

But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." Jesus has been repeatedly trying to teach them what He will go through; now is the time to prepare them more deeply for what it means to be a part of His kingdom in the world. It is not a promise of a "visible kingdom on earth or an immediate, victorious and glorious consummation," says my study bible, "but rather toils, struggles and conflicts. Cup and baptism are references to suffering and death. But they will meet both these realities in future persecutions and in the sacramental realities of the cup of the Eucharist (1 Cor. 11:26) and the death and resurrection of baptism (Col. 2:12)." It's interesting to note how bold the disciples are, assured of their abilities to "drink this cup" and to be baptized with this baptism.

So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared." Jesus interjects another note about the kingdom: it is His Father's to prepare. Whoever would be great in this kingdom, whatever places anyone may hold, they are prepared by the Father. In all things, He follows the will of the "only One who is good." According to the Church Fathers, says my study bible, this is not by God's arbitrary choice, but according to a believer's sacrifice and suffering for Christ and the Kingdom. For me, this speaks of Jesus' humility in all that He will do, through His Passion and Resurrection. All is done in accordance with the will of the Father -- something about which even Jesus will say there are things of which He is unaware.

And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Again, as repeated so often throughout this part of Mark's Gospel, the message is one of humility, of servanthood. Christ Himself (as human being and Son) serves the will of the Father. And even more deeply does He serve, down to the littlest ones among them. He will give His life as a ransom for many. That many is uncountable. 2,000 years later His ransom is still at work yet for those who are to come and are coming. "Ransom," points out my study bible, "is the price paid for the release of someone held captive. In this case, humanity is released from the bondage of sin and death by Christ's redemptive sacrifice on the Cross."

Over and over again, Jesus repeats the need for humility and service in His Church. In today's reading, He goes so far as to say that those who would become greatest must become the slave of all. He puts Himself as the example for all of us, and that example continues to work for us today. We are to "love one another as He has loved us." He points out the difference between the way the rulers of the Gentiles work (they "lord it over them") and that this must not be the Way of His kingdom. Well, we can take that lesson to heart. It will never be repeated enough. Encased in the code of the Jewish Law was concern for the stranger, for the widow, for the orphan. Here, Jesus' community must be cemented by the nature of its leadership, and we should and must continue to hold our leadership in the Church by the same standard. Of course, it all starts with who we are. I have found that a sense of humility (a truly saving grace, and one that heals many ailments of the soul with which I battle in my life) comes through God's mercy and purpose. Jesus proclaims over and over again, and in this reading, that what is in His Kingdom is the Father's to give. He defers to the Father, and this is also our great example. Humility is learned through grace by deferring to God in prayer, setting aside our lives -- "our whole lives" -- to God, to the One that loves us best. This is the great gift of finding our place in the Kingdom. It is a daily practice, but one that serves truly our best interests.

Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments. 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'" And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad a this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

- Mark 10:17-31

Yesterday, we read that Jesus is in Judea. Some Pharisees asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" This was to test Him. Jesus said that Moses gave them divorce (by certificate) for their hardness of heart. He said, "But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." Later, He privately told the disciples, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." Later, some children were brought to Him and the disciples rebuked those who did so. But Jesus was displeased with them, and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took the children in His arms and blessed them.

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments. 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'" And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." My study bible points out that the man approaches Jesus as a human being ("Good Teacher") and Jesus answers the same way. Let's look at the construction of His answer. He first of all points to God. For eternal life, we keep our focus on God -- God, in whom we abide in that eternal life. Jesus then turns to the ten commandments of Moses, guideposts of a righteous life. It suggests to us the morality that makes up the currency of the kingdom. These commandments have to do with the ways in which we treat one another.

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." Now Jesus adds a personal caveat, just for this young man. Christ is acting in His role now as the knower-of-hearts. My study bible suggests that this man is tested at his point of greatest vulnerability, "where he needs to repent most. It is his money that is keeping him from salvation. Jesus challenges him with the idea of total sacrifice for His sake. The command to sell all is for this man, or for any other whom Christ may call in this particular way, but should not be construed as a universal requirement." Of course, there have been those throughout the centuries who served the Church through voluntary poverty. But above all, the message is clear that, if we do desire eternal life, nothing should stand in the way between us and the One in whom we abide for that life: God. Therefore if we have anything to which we are so attached that God's purposes can't come through to us, then it must go. In a sense, we can see today's reading as a reflection of the similar teaching to the disciples a few days ago, in which they were told to leave behind even a hand, a foot, an eye! That is, whatever it is to which we are deeply attached that causes us to lose our way somehow toward this eternal life of the kingdom. The use of personal wealth, my study bible suggests, should be for God's purposes, whatever those may be for our lives. Here, the teaching that this young man should give all to the poor once again teaches us inclusiveness in this kingdom. It is another way to teach right relatedness to all who are our brothers and sisters. But it is also the teaching of great humility before God, before all else. Everything goes back to Jesus' first statement here: the good is in God. What the young man lacks, he can ironically make up for by giving away what he has, and taking up the cross, and following Christ. Then the treasure he owns will be real, and eternal.

But he was sad a this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." I really don't have to explain to my readers, I believe, how easily attached we all are as human beings to the material, the things we think will feed us in the world, regardless of what they are. But life is about more than the material. Jesus teaches a life infused with God and God's purposes for all our life in the world. Thereby, the life we live in the world becomes infused with purpose, meaning, and treasure above and beyond the material alone. My study bible says, "Riches grip the heart like few other things. When people trust in money more than in God, refusing to return their wealth to Christ, they fail to gain eternal life." We read into these statements at once that Christ understands our difficulties, but at the same time "with God all things are possible." We have spiritual help to put us in the right, to teach us the right perspective on our lives, our wealth, how we are to live.

Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." Here, the focus comes back to discipleship. Again, a note here is helpful: "Discipleship is radical self-denial, a total offering of oneself to God. This implies readiness to give up dear possessions or even relationships that stand in the way of following Christ." There is also a promise here, of a return for what is voluntarily let go for His and the gospel's sake. We just don't always know how that will happen, and in that becomes our great act of faith when we forgo whatever it is that we sacrifice for this life of the kingdom as we are called to do so. He reminds them powerfully once again, that as leaders in His church, they will be the ones called upon to practice a radical humility: But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Note that the life that He promises will not be without persecutions.

My study bible has another note that I feel is of great importance. "That disciples will receive earthly rewards a hundredfold now in this time is not an absolute promise: countless saints and martyrs were not so rewarded. However, God has a way of returning and multiplying earthly blessings along with persecutions to faithful men and women according to His will." Of course, most of us in the Western countries of the world will not know what it is to be persecuted in the same sense that the early Christians were. However, I do have many readers living in countries where persecution is not unknown and may even be active. But "persecutions" I find can also come in many forms. Following Christ, no matter where we are, does not always result in popular choices. We may face great contradictions in our lives even between what those nearest and dearest may want or expect, and the ways in which our heart tells us what Christ asks of us. On any level, let us understand the return He promises. He gives us a life infused with His purposes, with life itself, over and beyond what we experience as a life of the material alone. This "over and beyond" may include persecutions in one form and another, but it always includes a return, an exchange. I have found this to be so in my own life, that Christ's words remain true. How is it you are asked to go forward today? Is there something of which you must let go? If you do so in faith, in trust, then it is for the sake of love. Let us remember that it is love that is at the heart of these teachings, and that it is love -- and a deepening and expanding awareness of what that is exactly -- that will bring us a true desire, a deepening reality, something greater and above and beyond the things of a purely materialistic life, a material perspective. Are you ready for the exchange, and for His purpose? God has given us the good things of this world and all of its beauty; He asks us simply to understand it more powerfully than we already know. Sometimes, to find the greatest treasure that we might lack, we surprisingly give it away, in order to be filled with what is better, what is in fact more.

Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?

Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.

The Pharisees came and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" testing Him. And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her." And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

And in the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And he took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

- Mark 10:1-16

In yesterday's reading, Jesus continued with His thoughts from the reading of the day before. In the earlier reading, He had taught, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." In yesterday's reading, He began, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better to him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea." He taught that it would be better to cut off from oneself a hand, a foot, an eye, rather than continuing to carry in one's life whatever it is that causes one to sin. He is teaching the disciples humility; that "if anyone desires to be the first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Three times He warns that it is better to enter the kingdom with one hand, one foot, one eye, than to be cast into fire with two. "For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another."

Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again. We note that Christ is now once again in Judea. He has warned the disciples in private what is to happen to Him; He has also instructed them to tell to no one that He is the Christ.

The Pharisees came and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" testing Him. And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her." The question would be a rather typical one of concern to the Pharisees and scribes. The debate about the Law and the legal basis (in Judaism) of divorce was an important one. At this time, as Jesus replies, a mere certificate from a dissatisfied man was enough to divorce a wife. So, divorcing a wife was an easy and simple matter.

And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept." We should consider Jesus' words in the context of history. In the notes on Deuteronomy in my study bible, it's pointed out that Moses' concession of divorce was one that sought to prevent murder and other abuses of a wife whom a husband disliked. We should also consider economically the status of women; a divorce could mean destitution and lack of social status. In that light, a good marriage is a form of protection of women. We should read Jesus' words that follow accompanied by this understanding.

And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." In Genesis, we read first of all of the union of Adam and Eve. After the Fall, there is no longer such a union as described here: rather, the woman shall fear her husband; and the husband will toil all of his life. But here, Jesus in effect restores the sacrament of marriage to the status of the first male and female in the Garden, before the Fall. "The two shall become one flesh" tells us about the nature of this union. There is no one with a greater status that lords it over the other. Rather, each gender is united in what is not simply an equal relationship, but one of such love that they are "one flesh." This is the ideal of the sacrament of marriage. It elevates both genders to equal status in love and care, and in this sense it is also inclusive of all in the world. One gender is no longer at the mercy of the other. It is important to consider the context in which He speaks, and that Jesus also tells them of "the hardness of their hearts." Furthermore, the union is one of love and mutual giving, mutual emptying to one another. In this sense, marriage has been called the layperson's way to sanctification, in which one develops a conscious understanding of spiritual virtue, especially all that turns us away from selfish or self-centered impulse. My study bible says they are "joined together in oneness by God." This joining together is similar to the bond of faith; it is a depth of unity that forms "one flesh." "Therefore," says my study bible, "marriage is a sacrament by the grace of God." In this sense, the sacrament of marriage should help us spiritually, to learn to grow closer to God in mutual love and care. This is the image of marriage that Jesus gives us, one that is consistent with the whole of the Gospel message of love. It is indeed an astonishing message. There is another issue which my study bible goes into: "The issue in this passage is not whether divorce is permissible, but whether the union between husband and wife can be broken - even when a divorce occurs." Altogether, Jesus' message is a counsel of love, love as a part of the grace of God, over and against man's "hardness of heart."

And in the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." Astonishingly, this message is also one of equality. Both partners here are mutually dependent upon one another for relationship, and mutually responsible for that relationship. This will be true in many ways in the Gospels -- a mutually dependent teaching, such as "the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you" or "if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." There is a reciprocity that continually runs through many of Jesus' teachings. My study bible points out that the case of a woman divorcing her husband was one only applicable to Gentiles, for a Jewish woman could not legally divorce her husband. Matthew's Gospel adds, "except sexual immorality" to Jesus' words here. The early Church would expand exceptions for divorce, on the grounds of a threat to a partner's life, desertion, and forced prostitution. But as with all of Jesus' teachings, we must go back to the intent of the Law, the love of God. All things are for mercy; the intent of the institution is for love and mutual care, for life.

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And he took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. My study bible notes here: "Jesus rebukes the disciples not only because He has compassion for children, but because children are models of those who receive the kingdom. In their openness and simple trust." The care of children must also be a consideration when speaking of the bonds of love in marriage.

Today we debate marriage on many grounds in the society. But too often, it seems to me, we lose sight of Jesus' point here. At issue is quite simply the sacrament that brings us together in love, as a bond of grace, and a way of mutually growing together in love and especially toward a deepening spirituality, toward God. Can we shift our discussions to understand Jesus' depth of commitment to love and mutual care? His radical commitment to inclusion and equality must also be seen and understood here. There is a complementarity at work in this love. Even children, and the depth of care allotted to those who are least in the society, is included with this passage, just as images of children or the "little ones" formed the basis of the teachings in readings from the past two days. Altogether, we can see a thread of teaching first to the disciples about leadership and humility, and then to the issue of marriage as one of mutually emptying toward one another. There is no power struggle in this image of marriage between partners. Rather, Jesus enforces the opposite, just as he teaches that leadership in His church shall be based on servanthood. The Way for those in the Church is the Way in marriage between spouses. Can we focus on this? Can we focus on mutual love and care? As a sacrament of God, this is the grace, the gift we are given. This is the issue here. As always, Jesus' message is one of love and inclusion -- even to the little children in whose faces one must see not only Christ, but the One who sent Him. That is always the place we must draw ourselves back toward. Without the attitude of a child, the way Jesus teaches us, how do we get there?

Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better to him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If you hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched -- where

'Their worm does not die,

And the fire is not quenched.'

"And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched -- where

'Their worm does not die,

And the fire is not quenched.'

"And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire -- where

'Their worm does not die,

And the fire is not quenched.'

"For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another."

- Mark 9:42-50

In yesterday's reading, Christ first warned - yet again - His disciples about what is coming: that He will be betrayed, killed, and will rise on the third day. They had no idea about these things He told them, but they were afraid to ask Him. As they came to Capernaum, He asked what they were disputing about on the road. They were again afraid to speak, because they'd been disputing about who would be greatest in His kingdom. Jesus told them, "If anyone desires to be the first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” He brought a child before the twelve and said, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." John asked about others they had seen who were casting out demons in Jesus' name, but were not one of their fellow followers. Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better to him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If you hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched -- where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'" Once again, a note in my study bible says it well: "One of the sternest warnings Christ ever gave is here directed at the disciples. Little ones, like the 'little children' [see yesterday's reading] are humble believers with no pretensions to greatness. Leaders are to be 'last': faithful and serving. A major cause of stumbling for Christians is that their leaders seek to be great. To bring leaders to servanthood, Jesus requires not physical mutilation but uncompromising detachment, even from the most precious relationships or possessions, if they cause sin. As a negative motivation, He portrays eternal torment." I think we have to remember this powerful warning as a way in which Christ teaches those who will teach: the "little ones" in their care -- in whose presence they are to see the Father Himself -- are essential to His body. They are to be led with the greatest care, never to be exploited for personal gain of any kind. To cause them to stumble can happen in many ways, no doubt. But leadership in the Church is to be a profound responsibility, not one in which they lord it over the little ones, but rather practice the most reverent care -- the true test of discipleship is complete charity in leadership and good instruction. To cut off one's hand is to separate oneself from anything we might think of as belonging to us: like a precious habit or consideration of which we hate to let go (like desire for position). All of it has to go if it does not serve God's true ways; otherwise God's judgment will be the place where it is banished or purified from the kingdom. Part of grace is the capacity to choose; the Spirit at work within us helps us to accomplish the changes we need to make. This statement here is also the inverse of what we read in yesterday's reading. Just as giving a cup of water in His name, to one who belongs to Him, creates reward -- so causing one of the little ones to stumble is, in effect, worse than tying a millstone around one's neck, and being cast into the sea.

"And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched -- where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'" Again, we have the warning and repetition: even if it is something on which you think you rely in life, the thing that causes sin -- especially when it comes to leadership in the Church (in context here, misleading the "little ones" and causing them to stumble) -- must be cast aside, tossed away in life. One must separate from the things which do harm to all, and which destroy true charity, leadership, and feeding the lambs. The quotation is from Isiah 66:24.

"And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire -- where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'" And a final repetition; this one emphasizing something as precious to oneself as an eye. (We can see analogies to eat body part in how we live life in discipleship: what we do or give out -- the hand; how we walk or where we go -- the foot; how we see things -- the eye.) There are all sorts of ways in which we might nurture a private desire, especially in terms of our own greatness and position. Put this in the context of proper leadership, and we repeatedly see Christ's emphasis on the ways in which the little ones are led. Are they there so that we can make ourselves look good? Add a good work to a resume? Exercise power? Feel "great?" There's no sterner warning than that which comes here regarding humility and true purpose, the ends of charity and love and nurturing in the Church. Need I ask how many ways or examples one can point to where this saying must be heard?

"For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another." And here the teaching comes home, because this is really for each and every believer -- but directed specifically at the disciples who have been disputing over who is going to greatest. My study bible says this tells us that "suffering will happen to all who follow Christ, a positive experience when undertaken in humble faith . . . Salt is good refers to the special quality of life expected of disciples, particularly those whom Christ has called to spread His gospel. Have peace with one another suggests that one way to lose flavor as salt is to be striving for greatness."

In Matthew's Gospel (in the Sermon on the Mount), we read Jesus teaching the disciples, "You are the salt of the earth." Salt was a highly valued commodity, necessary for preservation and flavor, essential for life. Here, Jesus speaks of salt in connection with sacrifice: that which we may need to sacrifice about ourselves, our goals, even our cherished behaviors or thoughts. Let us remember here that life requires of us more than easy position, high acclaim, a kind of greatness or elevation over others. Particularly in the Church, the ways in which we treat one another -- and especially in instruction and the example of leadership to the little ones -- call for Christ's standard. We reflect on His commandment: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus' love takes the form of necessary rebuke, constant good instruction, leadership in going forward in expanding understanding and deepening faith, and assistance and compassion to each who needs. In particular, we have help in faith. Through all of these things, we learn that we are loved by the One who sent Him, the Father of all. These are all the things that go into feeding His lambs. He is calling us to be like Him, to follow as we learn to obey this commandment, to love as He loved. This is the greatest goal of the Church. There is no starker warning than we read here, in today's reading, for failing to follow it. Let love be the way, in all things.

Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me

Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.

Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be the first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me."

Now, John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

- Mark 9:30-41

On Saturday, we read that when Jesus came to His disciples, He saw many people around them, and the disciples were disputing with some scribes. All the people were amazed to see Him and ran to Him. He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?” One of the crowd told Him that he brought His mute son to be healed, but the disciples could not cast out the unclean spirit. Jesus said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you?” and told the man to bring his son. The spirit convulsed the son in Jesus’ presence, and He asked, “How long has this been happening to him?” “From childhood,” answered the father – and the boy was often thrown into the fire and water in order to destroy him. “But,” said the father, “if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus told him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The father replied, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus rebuked the spirit and cast it out. Later the disciples asked in private why they could not do so. Jesus told them, “this kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him. Again, we are back in Galilean territory. And also, once again, Jesus is endeavoring to keep His presence a secret. In private, He teaches what is unthinkable, yet again. The son of Man will be betrayed, killed, and will rise again on the third day. They still don’t understand what He can mean – and they are afraid to ask Him about it. My study bible says that perhaps by this time they are aware of their own dullness and are sensitive to His rebukes; or perhaps they simply don’t want to face the fact of His coming death.

Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. Clearly, He’s aware of what they were arguing about, but once again we encounter their “shyness” to talk to Christ Himself; perhaps with good reason! In a few short verses, we are shown the very human side of the disciples! That teaches us something about ourselves as disciples; God takes us where we are. We must be prepared to learn and grow into discipleship.

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be the first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” In this private moment with only the twelve, Jesus teaches the degree of tolerance and forbearance that must be theirs. Not only is He teaching them, twice now, about His own suffering and death to come, but He is also introducing what kind of discipleship and leadership He will expect when He is gone. This is the way they are to become great in His Church, His kingdom on earth. They must view the littlest among the flock as if they behold not only Christ, but even the face of His Father! So far they have done great things, having had Jesus’ power shared with them, but now is the time for the understanding of the humility necessary to truly serve. Especially because of their dispute, it’s time to introduce this subject. “So serious is this issue,” says my study bible, “that the remainder of this chapter is cast against its backdrop.” It adds, “The passion for position must be displaced by a decision to be last, to serve all people. Beyond even humility, service is active care and love for others.”

Now, John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” My study bible has such a beautiful note on this section that I will start with that quote: “This discussion is the aftermath of the argument as to who would be greatest. Sectarianism and triumphalism (the attitude that one creed is superior to all others) are forbidden, for God’s working transcends our limited perceptions. One is either for or against Christ, but it is not always ours to know who is on which side.” Let us consider also the words of St. Paul: “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:12-13. But there is more to this passage; it is framed in a poignant statement about relatedness, care of neighbor, the relationship of one part of the Body to another. Each of us as sheep becomes a carrier of a blessing, in some sense. Just as the young child should be seen even with the face of God the Father by those in the Church, so each Christ-bearing sheep may also be received, by any one of us. To bring a cup of water to Christ is to reap blessings for having done so, in any way in which this occurs.

If you ask me, the two powerful teachings of Jesus in today’s reading are the most important things that we can remember in discipleship, as a part of the Church. And, of course, they are related to one another. They are both a part of the active practice of love, as my study bible points out. First, there is the way in which we welcome “the littlest.” For Jesus to express that in receiving a little child in the Church we must also see Him -- and even His Father -- is an expression of His deep love for all who will come to Him. As His disciples, what they do reflects on Him – and He is asking them to reflect His deep love, care and concern for each who will come to Him. This is another facet of the statement in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world . . ..” We can’t forget that the basis of this Church, His mission in the world, is love, first and foremost – and that love is reflected in the face of the child whom we must receive as if he or she were Christ Himself, or even the One who sent Him. Secondly, there is the danger of sectarianism. Each one of us may be in a place of faith where we are led on a road, ever more deeply, but division can’t help us. Particularly now at this point in time, I feel this message is as crucial as it ever was. St. Paul addresses this problem in the early Church, when people are disputing which teacher they favor most. But, in the end, we all have the same Teacher, and this is something to remember. I hope that what I write helps anyone in their faith, regardless of denomination. There is so much we need to learn, so far we have to go. Receiving the child, receiving one another, depends upon the love that we can call on to help us see the Way. Let us remember the words that I believe say it very well, “God’s working transcends our limited perceptions. One is either for or against Christ, but it is not always ours to know who is on which side.” To give one another help and aid is to receive all the blessings Christ can give. St. Paul makes reference to Abraham, when he said in Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” So by serving one another (even with a cup of water) we may “entertain” Christ without knowing it. Let us remember this is also His gift of love to us! Jesus gives us relatedness from the little child even up through the Father, and from each one of us to the other -- the disciples to the littlest ones "in His name." It is a kind of relationship of the Cross: the greatest and the least, and each one of us to the other -- the vertical and the horizontal. Let us be complete in His love and remember the blessings He bestows through this understanding. Can we truly live up to His teaching and remember it for ourselves among one another?

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!

And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, "What are you discussing with them?" Then one of the crowd answered and said, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not." He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me." Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: "Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!" Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."

- Mark 9:14-29

In yesterday's reading, Jesus took three of His disciples onto a high mountain apart by themselves. These are His inner circle, Peter and the brothers James and John Zebedee. He was transfigured before them: His clothes became whiter than any launderer on earth can make clothing appear, like light shining on snow. Elijah and Moses were talking with Him. Peter suggested they build three tabernacles for each of them. And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. When they came down, Jesus told them to tell no one, until after the Son of Man rose from the dead. They pondered what this could mean, and asked, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" Then He answered and told them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him."

And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, "What are you discussing with them?" It's interesting to observe this new confrontation: some scribes disputing with Jesus' disciples. Jesus steps in to deal with the confrontation Himself. My study bible points out His loyalty to His own: "Jesus does not ask the disciples what they are discussing with the scribes; it is the scribes who must answer."

Then one of the crowd answered and said, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not." Instead, the man with the child who needs healing speaks out, coming to Christ Himself. This is a wonderful picture of the forces of the world around us, disputing about faith, all in some way a part of religious structure or the representation of God in the world. But the man who needs help comes Himself to Christ. This is a direct suggestion of prayer, or petition.

He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me." Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed foaming at the mouth. Even in front of Christ, this unclean spirit continues to convulse the boy. Often, we read in such cases the spirits recognize Christ, and ask to be unharmed, they are afraid. My study bible suggests that "faithless generation" is meant here for everyone concerned, including the father of the boy, and the disciples. It's important to understand, I think, that each one of the people present is someone who nominally is faithful: scribes, disciples, and the father of the boy. Christ gives us the awareness that there are degrees of faith: it is something we will continually struggle to grow into more deeply throughout our lives as the faithful, and we will meet challenges as we go on.

So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." My study bible has a note here that suggests something important. This comment "if you can do anything" is prompted by the disciples inability to cast out the demon. It notes: "What Christ's disciples can or cannot do reflects on the Lord Himself." I find of interest Christ's question, wanting to know more about the problem, investigating it more deeply, in dialogue with the petitioner, the father. We see also the quality of this spirit: it is bent on destruction of the innocent child.

Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Again, my study bible has a helpful note, as we read about the idea that faith is a constant struggle that we seek to grow within, to more deeply form relationship to God. It says, "The presence of doubt does not imply the absence of faith. Christ honors whatever faith we have and will increase faith when we sincerely desire Him." This is also evidence of God's work within us. We have the willingness, we make the petition, but the Spirit does the work, to "help my unbelief!" Again, a helpful note: "All things are possible because of God's power released through faith. Jesus seeks to elicit faith from the child's father."

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: "Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!" Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. Again, we see a truly evil nature to this spirit, its desire for destruction of the person, so that he became as one dead when it left him -- even convulsing him greatly as it left. It also tells us that there are degrees of evil, of malicious intent, just as there are "degrees" of faith. It seems to tell us that every moment offers us a choice to go more deeply in whatever direction we choose, no matter who we are or in what exactly we place our faith. It is a reminder that faith isn't a one-time choice, but one of constant vigilance, awareness, effort. Christ's words elsewhere remind us to keep awake, to watch and pray. It is an ongoing, unfolding Way for our lives.

And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." Why couldn't they cast out the demon? Christ teaches two methods to deeper faith, the discipline of the life of faith. A number of ancient manuscripts do not include "and fasting" -- nevertheless, the whole history of the Church teaches us that it is appropriate as a source of Christian discipline to those for whom it is helpful in the life and development of deepening faith.

What does it mean to deepen our faith? I think today's text tells us clearly that life -- the life of faith -- isn't simply a "one time" choice, but one that involves a constant movement. We have minds, we are aware, awake, alert -- and Christ asks us to be alert always to our faith and the state of our faith. Here we have the importance of the discipline of prayer. It keep us in that place where we have to be aware of our own spiritual condition, of the things that are within us that need help, healing, and the faith that engages the Spirit to always assist, to always be with us. Life isn't a one-shot and you miss! It is a connection of moments that come to us one by one, always an opportunity to make a choice. The deeply malicious intent of the unclean spirit that is depicted here tells us also that when we turn against the ways of God, we also continue to make choices along a spectrum. But repentance, turning around, changing our minds, can also come anytime within those moments in which we are capable of making a choice, especially with help from the Spirit. In today's reading is also included the wonderful passage from 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, teaching us the way of love. This is in deep contradiction to the malice of the unclean spirit. We should read it carefully to understand the growing effects of faith within us, the teaching and building up of the Spirit in the inner life. After all, Christ's Way of compassion, as illustrated today, is also the Way of Love. This is the path along which we truly seek to grow in faith. Let it teach you as part of growing your faith; let it build up in you. Christ's offers us a Way forward, into deepening understanding, something always new in which to engage and find a deepening faith, and also, the fruits of faith. How do you engage in this today?