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When Jesus Moves In: An Advent Reflection
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. —John 1:14, The Message When Read More
April Casperson | Read Mark 6:14-20
Those in power in today’s passage had very different opinions of John the Baptist. Herodias had preconceived notions against him, while her husband, King Herod, feared him yet “liked to listen to him.” John had a following. John also did not fit easily within the typical boundaries of religious leaders....
God of all, help me to have my eyes opened to the systems that include some and exclude others. Give me the courage to speak up against injustice and the fortitude to follow up my words with actions. Amen.
The scriptures for this week focus on power and authority. The biblical narrative throughout the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament provides a framework for how humans should understand and engage with power. Power and authority belong to God, and part of God’s grace and compassion for the world and for humanity includes the unmerited grace offered to all. However, humans have agency. Scriptures are full of outlines of how humans should care for others, and how those who are on the margins are not asked to give from their scarcity. In contrast, those who have abundance in resources and wealth—which includes power—are asked to give up some of their abundance so that all may have what they need.
Read 2 Samuel 6:1-5 and 12b-19. What symbols carry power in this story, and where is the presence of God?
Read Psalm 24. What gives us a connection to God in this scripture?
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What is the connection between the infinite power of God and humanity’s need for grace?
Read Mark 6:14-29. Where is God present in the life and death of John the Baptist? Where is God present in your life?
Respond by posting a prayer.
