January 28, 2018

The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, PA

Sunday January 28, 2018

Sermon: The Very Rev. Anthony R. Pompa

Mark 1:21-28

Why does he do what he does?

For whom does he speak?

Who has authorized his ministry?

Who is this guy and why does he matter?

Imagine if you will, being part of a first century audience, gathering to hear a great and true story being told in the city center by the greatest of story tellers. Imagine if you will the story just in its beginnings, opening with a splendid fight scene. A story of an unknown underdog, stepping into the ring with a powerful and seemingly unbeatable enemy.

Here is the story of Mark. The story of Jesus and this Kingdom Jesus is born to bring and fight for.

The scene is a synagogue in Capernaum, a place like this, a place of prayer, teaching, and worship, the least expected place for a fight.  But there is one.

A man with an unclean spirit finds Jesus, and sensing perhaps he is about to meet his match, or perhaps a sense of arrogance, he asks Jesus, “What are you up to Jesus?” “Have you come to destroy us?”  “We know who you are”.  Some suggest perhaps a nuance in Mark’s gospel that goes like this, “Are you picking this fight Jesus”?   “Can’t you just leave well enough alone, others have”?  “We know who you are and what you can do”.

This is a one rounder, Jesus and the Kingdom Jesus represents acts quickly and with authority. The evil that bounds, that possesses, that limits this man’s freedom is cast out and told to be quiet. It is hushed. We do not know where that evil goes, we are told that it is silenced and the man free.

A remarkable story then, for those gathered in the city center listening to the story teller tell it. The teller invites the listener then to the questions provoked about Jesus through those characters within.  For those witnessing Jesus actions ask basically these questions.

Why does he do what he does?

For whom does he speak?

Who has authorized his ministry?

Who is this guy and why does he matter?

The answers to these questions will emerge throughout Jesus ministry. The answers will emerge through conflicts and confrontations as Jesus authority (exousia), presence, word, and deeds will threaten all forces that claim authority over people’s lives.  This includes Caesar and the government that occupies and oppresses, those members of the religious establishment who abuse and use the religious laws of the day to incarcerate spirits rather than liberate them. It includes the forces at play in everyday life, hunger, illness, despair, “demons that oppress”, prejudice, fear, and ultimately even death itself.

Imagine now the storyteller is here, today in this place. What could be next? What will we see and hear of this Jesus next? Look for it and for him this day and this week and perhaps in your own life and the world you inhabit ask these questions.

Why does he do what he does?

For whom does he speak?

Who has authorized his ministry?

Who is this guy and why does it matter?