Faith, Doubt and Mystery
In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, there is a story with an unusual twist. A father whose son has been sick from birth comes to Jesus' disciples, and he asks the followers of Jesus to heal his son. The disciples try but fail. Not surprising! In Mark, the disciples can't heal, they don't understand Jesus' teaching and when Jesus talks about his death and resurrection, their concern is whether they can sit close to Jesus when he comes into his glory. Talk about a lack of sensitivity and empathy. Jesus is going to die. The disciples don't feel the pain. All they do is relish the power that may come to them after Jesus suffers and dies. Do you recognize the Church of St. Mark? Tending to others' wounds - out! Caring for folks who are suffering - out! Power and control - now we're talking church! Secrecy and transparency are serious problems in Mark. On the way to Capernaum (Mk 9:33-37), Jesus asks his disciples why they are arguing. The issue was, "Who is