Sermon - 9/19/21

<p>St. Thomas Aquinas once said, “Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take over within us, it drives compassion right out of our hearts.”  Change, transition, uncertainty, chaos and earth-shattering news all create within us a sense of fear.  Fear has plagued our culture and the world throughout this pandemic, and we have seen how it drives compassion right out of people’s hearts.  So, it is fitting that today’s gospel reading helps us look at this very human emotion. </p> <p>In today’s gospel passage, Jesus continues to teach the twelve about discipleship.  He again gives them earth-shattering, mind-blowing information, and <strong>they</strong> are bewildered and <strong>afraid</strong>!  Today, we hear Jesus again tell the disciples he is going to be killed.  It is the second time he tells them he will soon be betrayed, murdered, and after three days rise from the dead!  Jesus’ words are so explosive the disciples simply cannot wrap their minds around what he says.  They cannot comprehend this news and they are <strong>afraid.</strong></p> <p>Throughout the gospel of Mark, the disciples are portrayed as a motley group of knuckleheads who just don’t get it and, in today’s reading, they again live up to their reputation.  You see, they are still thinking Jesus will be the one who will provide the Jewish people political deliverance from Rome.  The prospect of Jesus being killed simply does not compute.  This Jesus whom they believe is the promised Messiah is telling them that redemption of Israel will take place through suffering!  Who could possibly imagine that?  How could <strong>anyone</strong> believe that an all-powerful God would conquer enemies and provide deliverance through <strong>suffering</strong> and <strong>death</strong>?</p> <p>The disciples are bewildered. So, what do they do?  Well, at first they stay silent and they <strong>do <u>not</u></strong> ask Jesus to clarify what he is saying.  They do <strong>not</strong> ask Jesus to answer the many questions swirlin