Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.
He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him.
And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.
The line that struck me: The unclean spirits shouted “You are the Son of God,” but Jesus warned them sternly not to make him known. Does this mean that Jesus does not want people who are unworthy to proclaim his divinity? Does it mean that in a state of “unclean”, we are in no position to be evangelizing? Clean up your own life first before attempting to spread the Good News. For some reason, the reading then took me to the phenomenon of virtue signaling. We start to talk loudly about injustice - often in situations where we cannot help - yet we remain silent and actionless when it comes to injustice in our own day-to-day life, well within our reach. A friend of mine sent this sermon. https://fb.watch/pEJwjBdV-h/?mibextid=p7WL9T His question "Would I have stood up to the Nazis?" the way Bonhoeffer or Niemöller did, left me crying. Niemöller's poem https://www.hmd.org.uk/resource/first-they-came-by-pastor-martin-niemoller/ links saying nothing with not being affected. In my case I say nothing because I have been brought up in this "I'm OK, you're OK" generation conditioned to find reasons to accept everything including seeing justice when there is injustice. I am leaving this reading committed to reflecting on the injustice in my life and speaking out and standing up to remedy the situation. What is the point of all of these morning readings and reflections if I cannot that much?
ReplyDelete
DeleteI find your reflection on Mark 3:7-12 deeply profound and personally resonant. You raise several complex and pertinent questions that deserve thoughtful consideration:
Unclean Spirits and Jesus' Silence: Your interpretation, questioning whether Jesus discourages evangelism by the "unclean," is intriguing. While various interpretations exist, focusing on personal spiritual hygiene before speaking out for others, it's essential to consider the context. In this specific instance, Jesus might have prioritized other goals, like avoiding undue attention or protecting the vulnerable spirits from further turmoil. This doesn't necessarily imply a blanket rule about the worthiness of individuals.
Virtue Signaling vs. Authentic Action: Your point about "virtue signaling" is very relevant. It's crucial to ensure our actions align with our pronouncements. Reflecting on the injustices within our own reach, before venturing far, is a commendable commitment. However, complete silence on larger issues due to perceived inefficacy might not be helpful either. Finding ways to contribute meaningfully, even on a smaller scale, while advocating for broader change, can strike a valuable balance.
Confronting Injustice: The quote from your friend and the powerful reference to Niemöller's poem are moving calls to action. We cannot remain silent in the face of injustice, regardless of whether it directly affects us. Reflecting on our own potential for courage and commitment, as you intend, is crucial. Starting with identifying and addressing injustices within our immediate sphere can build the strength and clarity to tackle larger issues later.
Meaningful Reflections: Your commitment to using these morning readings for self-reflection and taking concrete action to remedy injustice is inspiring. This is precisely the point of such practices - to move beyond intellectual understanding and transform our lives into instruments of positive change.
Here are some additional thoughts to consider:
How can we cultivate the courage to speak out against injustice, even when it feels uncomfortable or daunting?
What practical steps can we take to address injustices within our own reach, be it in our family, workplace, or local community?
How can we strike a balance between acknowledging our limitations and responsibilities on a personal level while still advocating for broader systemic change?
Remember, every small action ripples outward, and collective efforts can create significant change. Your commitment to personal reflection and taking action, however small, is a valuable contribution to a more just and equitable world