Seven: the co-conspiracy in mark’s gospel
We’re jumping onto the Revised Common Lectionary’s gospel readings, roughly, for the middle section of Mark; and finding the marks of our co-conspiracy there. It’s super-cool. (Galileo Church has identified seven practices or habits of those who have agreed to prioritize the mission of our church for one year as a co-conspirator in the gospel. They are presented below in italics, one for each Sunday.)
The gracious receipt of care from the church family. Part of Christian discipleship is recognizing that we each come to Jesus with a need, a hurt, a broken place, an illness. There are no exceptions; no one is exempt from the brokenness of this world. Acknowledgement of that is key. Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 130.
The sharing of material resources to further the church’s goals. Jesus sends out his disciples to scout new territory for his ministry; the hospitality of strangers is a prerequisite for the preaching of the gospel. We are meant to be people who share our homes, our food, our money, our lives. Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 123.
The contemplation of our baptisms, past or future. John the Baptist is beheaded for speaking truth to power, a consequence of his faithfulness to God’s agenda. When we contemplate our own baptisms, do we keep in mind the breathtaking risk of being God’s agents in the world? Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 85:8-13.
The cultivation of spiritual gifts for the life of our church and community. Jesus asks his disciples to feed the people, but they can’t see how. Similarly, we are asked to do all kinds of amazing things for Jesus’s sake and in his name, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and incapable. The Spirit of the living Christ in us empowers us to do more than we think we can. Mark 6:30-52, Psalm 145:10-18.
The extension of the church’s welcome to beloveds, neighbors, strangers, and enemies. When something beautiful has happened to you, or in your presence, you can’t help talking about it. “He has done all things well” is a lovely thing to say about Jesus, and we hope for our community life to make that more and more apparent every day, so that each of us talks about it “zealously.” Mark 7:31-37, Psalm 146.
Participation in the church’s discernment for our next steps together. Here is a long account of the disciples continued misunderstanding of Jesus’s power and identity; VRPs asking for “signs” after all he’s done; a blind man who must be healed in stages because the first time doesn’t “take.” The point seems to be, discipleship is a process, and while we are meant to make progress, we’re not meant to get it all right all at once. This applies to human discernment – which is why we need the contributions of all in our church to figure out what to do next. Mark 8:1-26, Psalm 49:1-7.
Presence – physical and emotional – at gatherings of the church. When Peter pulls Jesus to the side for a private conversation, things go badly very quickly. This would argue against a “personal relationship with JC,” wouldn’t it? And also against being “spiritual but not religious,” which mainly means “alone but not together”? Alone is a dangerous way to try discipleship of this messiah. The community is essential for each one’s flourishing. Basically: Come to church! Mark 8:27–9:1, Psalm 116:1-9.