From the REC
TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME B
The first Reading is 50:5-9 The Lord stands with his prophet during opposition.
Second Reading Jas 2:14 - 18 Faith without action is useless.
Gospel Mk 8:27-35 A follower of Christ must take up the cross.
Scriptural context – Sandwich technique
The Gospel of Mark is famous for a technique of ‘sandwiching’ stories or sections between two related events to bring what is sandwiched into greater focus.
This gospel passage falls within a significant sandwich that runs from 8:22 (the healing of a blind man at Bethsaida) to 10:52 (the healing of blind Bartimaeus).
The healings of blindness that surround the sandwich reflect the lack of ‘sight’ that the disciples have.
The ‘meat’ of the sandwich is all about the disciples not really understanding Jesus’ mission and what it means to truly be a disciple.
Read the whole section from 8:22 – 10:52 and see how it works.
What a thought to end the last week of term on!
Sometime this week - make a mental note of these wide range of people - not only who you work with; but the uber eats driver, the postie, even the doctors receptionist! And give thanks.