21st Sunday after Pentecost
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Psalm 90:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31
In our Mark gospel narrative for this Sunday, a pious and polite rich man approaches Jesus respectfully and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (verse 17). By kneeling, he treats Jesus with deference and extends the additional courtesy of calling him a “good teacher.” He is observant of God’s Ten Words, specifically the ones concerned with interpersonal relationships (9-20). According to common understanding, he has done right by himself by doing right by God. He may have earned the epithet “good man.” Nonetheless, only God can be good (18), and the seemingly righteous man goes away deeply disappointed when kindly asked by Jesus to sell his possessions, adopt a position of vulnerability, and trust what God is doing through God’s son (21-22).
After the “eye of the needle” statement (23-25), the disciples express some concern. Jesus’ affirmation denying any human ability to save themselves disturbs his followers. Perhaps remembering the exchange in chapter 8, verses 27 to 38, Peter speaks for the disciples. They have picked up their crosses and left everything to follow Jesus (28; see 8:34). Nonetheless, whatever they receive in this life will come with the trials of speaking on behalf of the radical grace that defines Jesus’ good news (29-30). Indeed, who can be saved (26)?
The prophet Amos offers insight into the gospel conundrum. In the Old Testament, divine justice is not the same as fairness. God’s hope for a just community is one where respect, dignity, and compassion for the neighbor are abundant. Perhaps it is this that the rich man has overlooked. God provides sufficiently for all to prosper together, and Amos turns to visceral admonition when facing societal situations where some are left hopeless to die. An unjust society is evil. Seek what is good and just, so all may live (5:14).
The author of Hebrews teaches that God knows our hearts and intentions (4:12-13), yet his love for us remains unblemished. In Jesus, we have a high priest, or a divine intercessor, who has walked among us, knows our weaknesses (15), and now sits on the throne of forgiveness and grace (16).
The psalmist pleads:
“Turn, O LORD! How long?
Have compassion on your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days (Psalm 90:13-14, NRSVue).”
Bridging Faith 