Exodus 4:10-31
Psalms 31, 35
1 Corinthians 14:1-19
Mark 9:30-41
What Was It You Disputed Among Yourselves?
One of the most painful experiences I have had as an Episcopalian, first as a lay servant and now as priest, has been witnessing conflict in the Church. In fact, we have been living in an era of considerable crisis in the Episcopal Church, and it has dawned as the Church is struggling against a cultural tide rising hard against mainline churches. So there has been intense pressure on an institution, which, just a generation ago, appeared to be a bastion of respect and influence in American life. Who could expect our legendary fine manners to prevail in such circumstances? (More often than not, they haven’t). Like the disciples on the road with Jesus (Mark 9:30-41), we blithely take up with sundry disputes rather than with serious discipleship--as if we, like they, do not realize where Jesus is really heading. He is always moving us on toward Calvary, ever calling us to take up our cross and to follow him. As He leads the way, Jesus may stop from time to time to inquire, “What is it you are disputing among yourselves?” He already knows our deepest truth, so we can dispense with any pretense of innocence.
Fr. Bill Fowler