Human beings make decisions and take actions based on assumptions. We do so because without assumptions, we are paralyzed by complexity. In some cases, an assumption is based on data, but almost always, our presuppositions stem from innate selfishness. As Julius Caesar once said, “Men are nearly always willing to believe what they wish.” Caesar himself assumed that mob sentiment would ensure his triumph. Unfortunately, most people approach Mark’s gospel with Caesar’s worldview. We want Jesus to be popular. We want the mob to love him and no matter how hard Jesus runs from the crowds; no matter how emphatic his desire not to win them over; we still cheer when they surround him. Why? Because in our hearts, we prefer Caesar’s victory to Jesus’ defeat. Richard and Fr. Marc discuss the Mark 3:7-12.
(Episode 150; Mark 3:1-6); “Carnivale Intrigue” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http:// creativecommons .org/ licenses /by/3.0/)
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great episode as always. glory be to God who works through His holy ones. you highlight faith without works, embodied in the embodied or disembodied demon who proclaims the messiahship of Jesus. faith without works is dead. it is hypocritical. what about works without faith?
I think the point is that a person’s actions demonstrate their trust (or lack of trust) in the commandment. If you’re doing the correct action and you have not heard the commandment, it’s no different: “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves…”
Father Marc, I listen to this series every week, usually at while I am doing computer work (nice change from listening to the news!). I like the emphasis on Torah, and the importance of the Older Testament, in all your broadcasts. I like the message in this episode that Jesus is not looking for fans, but disciples, that he is not trying to win a popularity contest.
Thanks be to God!