He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two

 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.  And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue.  And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things?  And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."  Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And He marveled because of their unbelief.  Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.  He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts -- but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.  Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.  And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.  Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"  So they went out and preached that people should repent.  And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

- Mark 6:1-13

Yesterday, we read that when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee after being in the country of the Gadarenes, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea.  And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name.  And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death.  Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live."  So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.  Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians.  She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.  When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.  For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well."  Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.  And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"  But His disciples said to Him, "You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?'"  And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.  But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.  And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well.  Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."  While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead.  Why trouble the Teacher any further?"  As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe."  And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.  Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly.  When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep?  The child is not dead, but sleeping."  And they ridiculed Him.  But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the hand, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.  Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise."  Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age.  And they were overcome with great amazement.  But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.  And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue.  And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things?  And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?"  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."    My study bible says that the double of being both astonished and offended occurs frequently with those who encounter Christ (see Luke 11:14-16; John 9:16).  His rejection in His own country foreshadows the rejection of the whole Jewish nation at His trial before Pilate (John 19:14-15).   His "brothers" are likely extended family; throughout the Near and Middle East, cousins are commonly referred to as "brothers."

Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And He marveled because of their unbelief.  Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.  Yesterday's reading was set in Capernaum, and we witnessed the power of the faith of the woman with the blood flow, and Jesus' teaching to Jairus so that his daughter could be healed, "Do not be afraid; only believe."   But here in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth, He finds no belief, no faith.  My study bible says that He could do no mighty work there, not because He lacked power, but because of the unbelief of all but a few in Nazareth.   A note says, "While grace is always offered to all, only those who receive it in faith obtain its benefits."

And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.  He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts -- but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.   The disciples ("learners") are also now apostles (those who are "sent out" on a  mission).   We note how they go out; my study bible bible emphasizes that this is so that they could not be accused of greed but also so that they learn dependence upon God.   He has shared His power with them, as a King would His weapons of war to deal with the enemy:  power over unclean spirits.

Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.  And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.  Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"    Humility is all-important; the disciples are to stay wherever they are first welcomed, and not to change lodgings -- presumably not to "change up" for better accommodations.  What's important is wherever the Kingdom is welcomed, with the gospel message they bring.  And here's also an effect of the power of the holy:   where the Kingdom is rejected, there is judgment.  Or rather, it will be accounted in the Judgment. (Of course, we know that repentance can also happen at any time later as well.)   These apostles are also witnesses for the Kingdom; where the gospel is rejected, they "give testimony" by shaking the dust off their feet.  My study bible says that persecution must not cause the disciple to quit, but simply to move forward in his mission.

So they went out and preached that people should repent.  And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.    To "repent" in Greek is to have a "change of mind."  They are to turn to the Kingdom and the gospel message.   To heal is also an essential character of the power of this Kingdom, it permeates all of Mark's Gospel.  My study bible says that anointing the sick with oil has not only medicinal but also sacramental value.  God's healing power is bestowed through creation (see Mark 5:27; Numbers 29:8, 2 Kings 13:21; John 9:6-7; Acts 5:15; Acts 19:11-12).   Thereby oil becomes a vehicle of God's mercy and healing in the Church (James 5:14).

We see Christ's power on display through the Gospel so far, and mostly it's a power of healing.  Casting out of unclean spirits and healing infirmity go hand in hand, it's the character and quality of Christ's power and thereby the nature of His Kingdom.  But today we get more dimension to this understanding of the power and nature of the Kingdom.  Jesus is rejected in His hometown of Nazareth; He can't do much there.  They're mostly resentful of Him; how can this person they knew as the carpenter's son be such a Man?   Jesus marvels.  We know that by now His ministry is extraordinarily popular, great crowds forcefully push at Him wherever He goes.  But not here.  Jesus says, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."   This is a very important statement, as it appears in all four Gospels.  But He sets the tone for the disciples, He moves on.  And the next step is sending them out, two by two.  Nothing will stop the gospel message and the news of the Kingdom.  We see more evidence of the reality of this Kingdom in the instructions to the apostles:  go humbly, rely on God, take not much for the journey, stay and remain in the first place where you are welcome.  And when the message is rejected and the Kingdom isn't received, they are to shake off the dust of their feet in testimony.   Everything is a preparation for the ultimate Judgment.  This is the power of the Kingdom, the power of the gospel message.  And of course, there is healing and casting out of unclean spirits.  All of it is to "set things right."  Repentance is to turn from other ways of thinking toward the "thinking" of the Kingdom.  This is a kingdom of hearts and souls, its place is within us and among us.  Its place is in the persons of the apostles, and they bring the Kingdom to others, they carry it with them.   It's important -- in my opinion, essential -- that we "get" the note my study bible makes about the healing oil.  The work and power of the Kingdom is infused through creation.  Just so, God's work is in us, the Kingdom is in us, and we may bear it wherever we go via our own "repentance" or "change of mind."  Like these apostles, we also can be those who bring the Kingdom near to others.   And this is the mission, that we bear the presence of the Kingdom in ourselves, carry it with us to others wherever we go, that we keep looking forward and moving on.  Where we find rejection, we leave Judgment to God.  We know also the fruits of the spirit, and God's peace.  Let us remember their first mission and strive to be like them, and remember what we bear within ourselves, and that the real job is to carry the Kingdom within us by following His commands ourselves.

He who endures to the end shall be saved

 Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!"  And Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you see these great buildings?  Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, "Tell us, when will these things be?  And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?"  And Jesus, answering them, began to say:  "Take heed that no one deceives you.  For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and will deceive many.  But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled, for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles.  These are the beginnings of sorrows.

"But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues.  You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.  And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.  But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak.  But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.  Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.  And you will be hated by all for My name's sake.  But he who endures to the end shall be saved."

- Mark 13:1-13

In yesterday's reading, Jesus responded to His questioners with a question.  He answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?  For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:  'The LORD said to my Lord,  "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool." '  Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his Son?"  And the common people heard Him gladly.  Then He said to them in His teaching, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers.  These will receive greater condemnation."  Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury.  And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.  So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury, for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

  Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!"  And Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you see these great buildings?  Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down."    My study bible tells us of this entire chapter in Mark's Gospel:  "This passage has two points of focus:  (1)  the destruction of Jerusalem and (2)  the end of the age.  These points converge in Jesus' teaching and guide our interpretation.  The temple had been rebuilt by Herod the Great, including porticoes, courtyards and colonnades, covering about sixth of the area of Jerusalem -- an architectural marvel dominating the Holy City.  some of the stones were about 10x40x20. . .  The grandeur of the buildings made Jesus' comment about their destruction very dramatic.  It would be hard for the listener at that time to imagine such great destruction.  In A.D. 70 this prophecy of Christ came true when the Roman general Titus recaptured Jerusalem and leveled everything on the temple mount.  It was rumored there was gold between the stones, so not one stone was left unturned.  Only a retaining wall remained, later called the Wailing Wall, after Emperor Trajan (c. A.D. 135) permitted Jews to come to this site once a year to mourn the temple's fate.  Jews still mourn at the Wailing Wall today."

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, "Tell us, when will these things be?  And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?"   My study bible points out that interest in the end of the age is nothing new.  "The disciples want to know when all the things spoken about the end times will take place.  Jesus obliges them."

And Jesus, answering them, began to say:  "Take heed that no one deceives you.  For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and will deceive many.  But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled, for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles.  These are the beginnings of sorrows."  My study bible tells us that "Jesus' first word about the end of the age is a warning about deception.  Take heed is a dominate note throughout the discourse.  Do not fail because of deceit by impostors, speculation about dates, political upheavals, natural catastrophes, or persecutions.  Today, popular preachers contradict one another with novel doctrines which are at odds with the historic interpretations of the Church.  Take heed that no one deceives you!"  Sorrows here reads literally "birth pangs" in the Greek.  My study bible tells us that they are applied to the "world-renewing events and crises at the consummation of the Kingdom."

"But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues.  You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.  And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.  But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak.  But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."  My study bible says that "such experiences are recorded in the Book of Acts and Paul's Epistles.  Until the return of Christ in glory, His followers will suffer and people will fall into apostasy.  Discipleship produces martyrs and confessors (those injured or maimed for confessing Christ before men).  Jesus tells His disciples plainly what will happen to them.  Tradition holds that of the Twelve, all but John died a martyr's death.  The promise that the Holy Spirit will speak through us is not intended to discourage preparation for Christian teaching.  It refers primarily to crises."

"Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.  And you will be hated by all for My name's sake.  But he who endures to the end shall be saved."  A note in my study bible reads, "There is security of salvation for him who endures to the end, but it is not ours to say when the race is over.  the modern innovative doctrine of 'eternal security' -- once saved, always saved -- is not the teaching of Jesus; rather, He teaches the endurance of the faithful through God's strength and grace."

"End times" seem very much to be on many people's minds today, but it seems, also, that they have always been a concern and preoccupation -- especially in times of crisis.  We should remember that Jesus' stress on endurance is the key to this passage.  The word used here for endurance literally means "remaining under" as in bearing a load, a kind of bearing up, and it is also closely related to the word for "patience."  Clearly, Jesus does not promise His disciples an easy life!  Nor does He promise that the Kingdom is coming immediately, easily, and without struggle.  On the contrary, they will be the recipients of the effects of that struggle.  As my study bible points out, all but John will die a martyr of the first Apostles.  Today, "end times" are very much upon people's minds.  Not only is it that two millenia have passed since Jesus' time on earth in the flesh, but more particularly the new millenium into which we are entering now seems to be filled with threats not just to our security and our immediate well being, but in fact, threats that are -- one could say -- to the planet.  We have problems with pollution (including those possible from nuclear accidents and radiation), problems indicative of possible climate change, wars that seem to be unceasing in their frequency, weapons capable of almost inconceivable destruction, and every day seems to bring news of crime and breakdown of social behaviors that undermine qualities of life.  Human slavery, rather than ending from legal criminalization, is actually on the rise throughout the world in perhaps new forms.  Throughout the Middle East, Christianity is being threatened in its birthplace.  Worldwide, refugees and mass migration are becoming greater and greater; world populations are on the move far more than we understand from displacement through warfare and economic crises.  The internet itself -- a modern phenomenon that allows me to write this blog and send it out into the world -- can also be used for great harm, not only targeting individuals, harming children, or abusing trust in one way or another -- but as our reliance on these systems grows more and more, the internet itself becomes a security concern for nations.  Our understanding of ourselves changes as we shift into a new age of instantaneous communication, worldwide markets that interact with one another within hours, and crises that magnify one another, so that what happens in one place affects others.  The sense of who we are is changing based on these developments.  My study bible also points out Jesus' emphasis on a breakdown in family loyalties, although elsewhere Jesus says this will happen for His sake -- that His truth is that which pierces all other realities and relationships.  And there we come right back from international crises and threats and problems to the real emphasis Jesus has been placing in all of His talk in the temple at Jerusalem, which is on the affairs of the heart.  When we remember that ultimately it is the decision for each of us in the heart that really plants this kingdom in the world (see the greatest commandments dialogue from Thursday's reading), then we get down to the place that puts this all in perspective.  How do we go through crises?  How do we "bear up" as Christ teaches His disciples here, as they went through their own inconceivable crises of war and destruction in Jerusalem, and eventual persecution as apostles sent out into the world with the gospel message?  Really, the teaching is the same.  We are to endure.  We can't say when the end is, and it's not our job to do so.  It's our job to do what is asked of us, to carry on in faith, in following these two great commandments to love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength, and to love neighbor in extension of such relatedness.  Jesus gives us one other great promise in His teaching today, and that is also with us in all times of crisis, a reliance on the Holy Spirit and the implication of the necessity for prayer.  We have a Comforter.  The apostles are not promised a perfect life, and neither are we.  We may see all kinds of things breaking down around ourselves in one way and another, even as new innovations that can do a lot of good also are used for bad; but that's just a reflection of human weakness that has always been with us, a reflection of our own imperfections, ambitions, pride, and frailties.  What we can rely on, however, are His words which will not pass away.  We each have a job to do to live these two great commandments in the ways in which choice comes to us in our lives.  We each have a choice to contribute to this world in the ways in which He has taught, and we can come together as community to do so as well.  We may not be able to control the world and everybody in it, we might not be able to solve all these problems of human failure and control the nature of the planet, but we can do something that is ours to do, and starts in the heart.  His words come to mind from Matthew's Gospel:  "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).  In all things, we are to endure with patience, and rely on the Comforter.  He's warned His disciples -- and us -- in advance, of the birth pangs of the Kingdom, which we still endure.  But He also gives us the Help to do so.