There is great wisdom in this Twenty-second Psalm especially when you consider it was this psalm that Jesus prays from the cross when he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” We can give into and collapse under the weight of our circumstance, or we can look past ourselves- look past our situation, trusting in the God who loves us and wants us to be in God’s company forever and that gives us hope and a future.

Our reading is not an easy one to listen to. It is dealing with the condition of one’s heart. One’s heart can be hardened by selfishness and self-gratification or softened by humbling oneself with the innocence of a child. What is Mark revealing about the intentions of God in capturing Jesus’ teaching on marriage, divorce, and the heart? A good hint comes from the celebration of World Communion Sunday. A celebration that serves to remind the church that we are to be the light of Christ in a hurting world standing in the need of grace and divine love.

Until now, Jesus’ ministry was characterized by wonderous miracles and admiring crowds. Once Peter, speaking for the other disciples and himself, declares Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, Jesus begins preparing them for what awaits him in Jerusalem. From this point until they arrive in Jerusalem, Jesus’ chief emphases is preparing these disciples to understand discipleship as humble service rather than position and power. And everyone who does a mighty work in Jesus’ name, is engaged in ministry to the glory of God.

We are continuing in our theme of “practical Christian living” with an understanding of this major theme for James: “faith without works is dead.” We’ve looked at practical Christian living that is “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger;” that understands “neighbor” is anyone we are in a position to help, near or far away; that involves humbling ourselves, taking up our cross to follow in the ways of Jesus. This week, as we listen to the counsel of James, we are to understand two kinds of wisdom. “Wisdom from above” leads people of faith to do “good works” in gentleness and kindness without any expectation of repayment. We also see the destructive force of “earthly wisdom” that leads to conflict and chaos.

Even though Peter answers correctly when Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” it becomes very evident he provided an answer that neither he nor the rest of the disciples completely understands. As we continue reflecting on the idea of practical Christian living, we come to realize picking up our cross is to live not die for Christ and that is a difficult challenge.

The lesson from Mark’s Gospel is greater than a physical healing. These two stories mark the beginning of Jesus tearing down the walls that separate the children of God, in this case, Jews and Gentiles. All are to have access to God through the Son, Jesus Christ. The lesson for us is that it is our faith that opens our eyes to such a relationship. It is faith that compels us to be bold and take risks getting out of our comfort zone asking who is my neighbor?