Offering a cup of water full of love
Pentecost 18, 2021 sermon, delivered at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Louisville, KY. Text: Mark 9:38-50 The disciples approach Jesus with a concern in the reading this morning. They complain (or almost whine) to Jesus that someone else is casting out demons in his name, but isn’t a part of the group following Jesus. They aren’t with the “in” crowd, they aren’t one of the “cool kids” who hang out with Jesus and follow him everywhere he goes.They think that this person is committing a sin. But the sin here is not about breaking a religious law or laws, it is instead the sin of jealousy and possessiveness, and of working against others who do Jesus’ work. Curiously, Jesus’ response to their complaint is “So?” He is not too impressed with their concern and looks beyond it to why they are concerned. The disciples are focused on appearing pious or righteous rather than being focused on sharing their gifts from God with others, and they sound jealous, or at least defensive about this oth...