Living In Harmony (MTKA)

Proverbs 31:10-31

A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.

Mark 9:30-37

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson

I love to read the narrative stories about Jesus engaging with people in crowds or synagogues or homes. I can picture the scenes in my mind’s eye because they’re often active; Jesus is moving people around by noticing and recentering the ones who get left out. 

This scene begins with Jesus centering his own suffering and death in the conversation. When the disciples start comparing and competing about their own greatness, Jesus recenters the least and the lowly, setting a child in their midst to clarify what heaven’s hospitality looks like.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• Can you think of another story in the gospels when Jesus recenters the ones who get left out? How do the others in the scene react?
• Remember a time you’ve experienced competition similar to the disciples in this story. Who did that center and how did the comparison feel?
• Remember a time you’ve experienced the gospel recentering the ones who get left out. What emotions or reactions came forward in you?

Prayer:

God, your power is perfected in our weakness and in our collaborative service, but still we keep score and try to go it alone. Thank you for reminding us, again and again and again, that faith is shared and that Jesus is still at work in your church recentering those who need your welcome and love. Amen.