Isaiah 50:5-9a James 2:14-18 Mark 8:27-35
It has been said: “A great piece of writing is like a great meal - it leaves the individual savoring the result and wanting more.” We have such a passage today in this segment from the Gospel of Mark. Pay special attention to the very last sentence of this passage, as spoken by Jesus himself: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”
Is it a paradox? Is it a conundrum? Is it a riddle? What does it mean? Tell us more, Jesus!
I humbly submit one possible interpretation for your consideration:
Great mystics of the Church such as Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich and Meister Eckhart have written about the concept of “losing oneself in God’s love”. Those who choose to lose themselves in God’s love are committed to living out gospel values by using their God-given gifts and talents to give glory to the greatest gift-giver. As they strive to give a bit more time and energy to prayer and good works, to work for peace and for justice in the world, they become less concerned about power, rank and status - things that are often equated with having a successful life on earth.
The mystics suggest that by focusing on being a child of God — loved unconditionally, created for meaningful relationships with God, others and self, placed on a beautiful but delicate planet to respect and savor it, commissioned by God to create additional beauty — one will be drawn ever more deeply into love with God…losing oneself in God’s embrace.
It all sounds somewhat “other-worldly”, like a fantasy or a dream. But, at the same time it seems intriguing - perhaps even inviting. This is not to suggest that such a lifestyle is free of problems, concerns, or suffering. However, addressing the issues of life on earth from such an other-worldly perspective can make the tough times a bit easier, and the good times a bit more divine. Any way you slice it, today’s gospel message is mystifying. But one thing is certain: Coming directly from God’s lips to our ears, it must be important! Let’s think about it this week.
by: Bill Miller
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