GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Servant of all: Mk 9,33-50
The question asked by John in 9,38 opens a new stage in the discussion. As we noted in the overview, we are reading the rest of the chapter on this page because it forms the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
There is though continuity with the preceeding verses and we have here a development from them. Look for the the two expressions which indicate this continuity.
Look as well for other catch words by which this passage unfolds and which tie it together.
As it is important to be clear about this, it is as well to look now at my response.
Following Jesus: Mk 9,38-50
For us: 9,38-41
For John see 3,17 and 10,35.
What is wrong with John's intervention - who is being followed at the end of the verse? "In my name" is mentioned in verse 37, how is it now a main theme in these verses?
Look at Numbers 11,26-29 as the background to these verses.
Verse 41 with its solemn statement is linked to the preceeding verses, though that may be obscure in the translations.
How is this statement a climax to this teaching? What is the name and why is it unexpected here?
Take a look at my response.
Stumbling Blocks: 9,42-48
"Little ones" in verse 42 echoes the child of verse 36. Who are these "little ones"? What is the point of the image of the millstone? (Literally, it is a millstone which needs to be turned by a donkey.) Note the play on stones in this verse.
Three parallel sayings then follow refering to different parts of the body. How does these emphasise the point of the millstone? For hell or Gehenna, see Joshua 15,8, Jeremiah 7,31 and 2 Kings 23,10.
Verse 48 quotes the rather strange final verse of the book of Isaiah, Is 66,24.
(Verses 44 and 46 are omitted in modern Bibles because they are the same as verse 48 and are missing in the best manuscripts.)
Salt: 9,49-50
Note the catch word with the preceeding verse.
Consider what might be the point of these two verses. Verse 49 is unique to Mark. We can take particular note of the final message of this teaching.
Look now at my response.
The Sunday Gospel: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gospel for this Sunday is 9,38-48. What is the effect of omitting the saying in verses 49 and 50?
Read and compare the Jerusalem Bible version used in the Lectionary with the NRSV. What the JB obscured by its attempts at variation?
Look at the Old Testament reading: Number 11,25-29. You will find it is familiar already.
Take a look at my response.
We are now ready to begin our reading of chapter 10.