RoboPreacher

we wonder. The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the ninth chapter! Have you ever heard of the disciple Nathaniel? Yeah, he was my father.  I don't think he thought about even having a wife, let alone son, when he first started following that Jesus, the one they say rose again. Regardless, I don't suppose I need to tell you all that having a father who once gave up everything to follow a political agitator and rebel is a very unique experience.  Not that we don't live in a unique time, mind you. We do. Rome has sacked the temple. Many Judeans were killed in the revolt. Rome is filled with strife. It's just hard to imagine things can go on like this for much longer. Still, crazy-world that we live in nowadays and all, having a father who was a "disciple," now that is crazy. My dad, he still follows too, of course...  It is different now, you know. I mean, Jesus is dead. Since then they've had to rethink what it means to...

  & can we get out if we go right now  Mark 8:27-38   Did you know that a second century theologian said the blood of Christian martyrs are the seeds of the church? His name was Tertullian, and he did say that.   This week in the Hawk Eye there were two stories with two very different depictions of courage. In fact, if one were to describe the actions of these two different parties as "heroic," you would have to admit, that these two depictions are diametrically opposed.   First there was the op-ed about the "courage," of those actors, film-makers and financiers who created and distributed the film "Innocence of Muslims." This film was obviously meant to offend, and now that there are consequences to distributing this hate, all parties are attempting to wash their hands of responsibility. And, I must sarcastically add, that it gets better still. When the president tried to be diplomatic in handling these contentious issue...

A Crisis of Confession: Mark 8:27-38: This pericope is the turning-point in the Gospel of Mark, or you might say the half-way point of Mark's account of Jesus' life, death and life-beyond death. This pericope is punctured by statements and attempts to silence. First we see Peter, as a representative of all the disciples, displaying a greater understanding of Jesus' identity by confessing that Jesus is the "messiah. (v.29b)" Immediately, though, Jesus silences Peter (v.30). Next Jesus replaces the title "Messiah" with "Human One," & explains that his political fate is suffering, rejection, death and eventually resurrection. Now it is Peter's turn to silence Jesus (v. 32). This description of Jesus' fate is too much for Peter. Again, though, Jesus silence's Peter (v. 33). Tragically Peter's rebuke reflects the same temptation Jesus experienced in the wilderness (Mark 1:13). Jesus does not hesitate to describ...