| Reading 1 | Response | Reading 2 | Gospel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is 50:5-9a | Ps 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 | Jas 2:14-18 | Mk 8:27-35 |
| RCL: Is 50:4-9 | RCL: Jas 3:16—4:3 |
Discipleship: faithfulness to Jesus and his mission
During Ordinary time the Lectionary presents stories and teachings from Jesus’ everyday ministry. This week’s readings focus on the reality of discipleship.
First reading (Is 50:5-9a)
The first reading is from the prophet Isaiah’s third “servant song.” This Isaiah is the second or Deutero-Isaiah, who speaks God’s word to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. In today’s pericope, Isaiah faithfully accepts the responsibility of his calling (“I have not rebelled, have not turned back”), even when his hearers reject God’s message. Although Isaiah seeks to console the exiles, many hearers would have considered his vision of restoration a pipe dream; this is why his hearers mock, insult (“buffets and spitting”), and even rough up (“beat me”) the prophet. Because the prophet speaks for and is supported by God (“God is my help”), he does not feel shamed by this public humiliation. Rather, Isaiah is vindicated by God’s support (“He is near”). The Lectionary editors chose this reading because the prophet’s violent rejection echoes Jesus’ passion prediction in today’s gospel.
Second reading (Jas 2:14-18)
The second reading continues Ordinary time’s semi-continuous reading from the letter of James. This letter’s message to disciples is to “be doers of the word and not hearers only” (Jas 1:22). In today’s pericope, the author exhorts the believing community to put their faith into action. A faith based on only a profession of faith or on only ritual practices cannot save (“faith that does not have works is dead”). The author gives an example of a better-off community member responding to a poor community member with a prayer (“go in peace”) and good wishes (“keep warm, eat well”), but does nothing to help. This comfortable and clueless disciple misses Jesus’ central message to love the neighbor, as well as the Hebrew prophets’ message to care for community members. For a disciple, faith is necessary, but not sufficient. A disciple has to be a “doer” of faith whose living faith shows itself in works. The Lectionary editors chose this reading as part Ordinary time’s semi-continuous reading from James.
Gospel (Mk 8:27-35)
Scholars divide Mark’s gospel into three parts. The first part (Mk 1:1—8:26) emphasizes Jesus’ authority in his teaching and mighty works, and highlights the misunderstandings and rejections of Jesus. The second part (Mk 8:27—10:45) clarifies who Jesus is (identity and christology) and what it means to follow Jesus (discipleship). The third part (Mk 10:46—16:8) is the account of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Today’s pericope is the turning point, or hinge, between parts one and two: the start of Jesus’ “way” or “journey” from Caesarea Philippi (Mk 8:27) to Jerusalem (Mk 10:45). This journey is not simply a travelogue but a spiritual journey, during which the disciples (and Mark’s hearers) face the mystery of the cross and the implications of discipleship.
- Jesus’ question. “Who do you say I am?” is Mark’s gospel’s central theme. Throughout the gospel’s first part, Jesus reveals his identity through his powerful teachings and mighty works (miracles). Now Jesus asks his disciples directly what they have decided about him. Peter speaks for all the disciples, but Mark intends that every hearer answer Jesus’ question personally.
- Jesus’ description of discipleship. Jesus first describes what his faithfulness to God means: he “will suffer, be rejected, be killed, and rise after three days.” He then calls his disciples and the crowd (everyone who might wish to following him in the future) and describes how to follow him faithfully: deny yourself (act in a selfless way and give up your central place in your life), take up your cross (share fully in Jesus’ own faithfulness to God), and follow me (persevere in discipleship). Discipleship is neither safe nor comfortable, but Jesus promises eternal life to those who remain faithful.
Summary and reflection
This week’s readings ask us to think about our faithfulness in discipleship. Isaiah accepts God’s call to be God’s prophet despite his calling’s hardships and rejections. The author of James warns his ekklesia that, unless they do and live God’s word, their faith and discipleship is dead. Mark shows Jesus speaking bluntly about his identity and what faithfulness to God and Jesus means for disciples. How alive and real is our discipleship? Is my discipleship strong enough to withstand the questions and critiques of others within and outside my community? Do my words and good works witness that my faith and discipleship is alive? What do my daily and moment-by-moment discipleship choices reveal about my commitment to follow Jesus?
—Terence Sherlock
The Lectionary In Context 