Thursday, June 13, 2024
Gospel Reflection: SEriousy Jesus?
The Rev. Rob Stevens
Mark 4:21-25
Jesus said to the disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”
What in the world is Jesus talking about here? Those who have more will get more? Those who have nothing will be punished? This makes no sense….unless we take in context with the first few lines of the selection from Mark. Jesus is urging us to share the light. Don’t hide it under a basket. “This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine.” This light is the love of God and the only way that it runs out is if we refuse to receive and share it. I don’t think Jesus is preaching a gospel of the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. I do think he is preaching a gospel of abundance and warning us that hoarding the Good News leads to scarcity and suffering.
That is the paradox of God’s economy. We live in a culture that preaches in loud voices that you will never have enough. We live in a “He who dies with the most toys wins” culture. Jesus preaches that we have enough and reminds us gently that “He who dies with the most toys…still dies.” He does it calmly (mostly) and with stories. God’s economy reminds us that there is enough love and God for all people and our simple work is to share that with others and watch it grow. Please notice that I said, “simple” not “easy.” Sharing this Good News is counter-cultural and challenging in the face of the onslaught of messages that scream, “Be afraid! You don’t have enough!”
I invite you to take a deep breath and remember that God is in charge and loves you more than you can imagine. Good News right? Our work is to remember that the only way that love is diminished is if we hoard it. So…let your light shine!