by Sister Annette Koss
Mark is writing to his Christian community about the true Messiah and what it means to be a servant disciple. Messiahs were common and often political against Rome and the wealthy Jewish class that supported Rome. So, Jesus raised the question, "Who do you say that I am?"
Jesus lived in a climate of political unrest and social disharmony. He walked headlong into situations of confrontation. What was different is that Jesus chose the path of a non-violent servant. By being powerless, a new power emerged from within -- that of non-violent resistance. By taking this posture of non-violence, Jesus maintained his spiritual power and ransomed future victims from the same violence. To gain one's self is to put one's self at risk to interrupt the flow of violence.
This is a threshold moment in Mark's Gospel. The disciples slowly acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and the true identity of Jesus is slowly revealed. Jesus is not a political messiah but a non-violent servant who reveals what it means to be a disciple.
In the remainder of the Gospel, Mark defines the way of discipleship -- to deny oneself, to take up the cross, and follow Jesus.
Thanks, Annette for providing food for thought for me.
We to are living as Jesus did in political unrest & social disharmony. I believe He has sent us Pope Frances to help the world find peace!
Great reflection, Annette. Thank you.