The
Gospel of Mark is written in three acts: the first act in Galilee, the second
has Jesus traveling about, and the third takes place in Jerusalem. Mark 9 is in
the second act. The second act especially is written in individual moments or
standalone events. There are independent stories of miraculous events and healings,
discussions with disciples, and the sharing now and then of a parable. This
section has us travel all over the map.
Our
reading today first has us in Galilee with Jesus and the disciples. Jesus does
not want anyone to know. Jesus and the disciples journey into the region away
from the towns because Jesus has serious things to share with the disciples. Jesus
does not want to be interrupted or overheard.
Secondly,
the reading has us visit Capernaum. The disciples are with Jesus, and Jesus
speaks with them. Different from the region of Galilee journey, here they are
not alone. We know this because Jesus draws a child into their midst, which
suggests there are others around too. It is okay for others to overhear the
conversation.
What
drew my attention this week was the use of specific places for specific tasks
and ministry.
The
second act of the Gospel of Mark illustrates that there are different messages
and ways of communicating and or acting for various contexts and audiences. Individuals
have an array of needs and are at unique points in their faith journey requiring
intentionally focused care.
I
had a conversation with a person this week who shared with me a profound “God-moment.”
God appeared at an auspicious time for this person, in a moment of choice where
choosing temptation would have been life-destructing. To get their attention
God appeared in an over-the-top manner, that for most of us would be so bizarre
and risqué we would not have seen God in it at all. Yet, for this person, their
personality, this was THE way they woke up to God’s presence. Knowing the
person, it made perfect sense to me that God’s specific message to them was delivered
in the extraordinarily outrageous!
This
week I also reflected on the conversations I have with people, specifically
those I’ve talked with at the Loneliness Café. I get all kinds of ‘God
questions’ or ‘Bible themed queries,’ theological questions and the like. Although
the questions might be identical, the answer or reply has never been the same. In
fact, sometimes my conversation with one person, would be the exact opposite of
what I would say to another. What I have said to you, may not be what I have
counseled the person sitting beside you.
I
have my own way of teaching and practicing Lutheran theology. I have working
definitions for sin, forgiveness, grace, the cross, kindom… these are descriptions
that come from my core beliefs. But when in the world, although holding true to
the core, how I express the message changes depending on the conversation, the
context, the relationship, and where a person is on their journey.
With
the rise of open conversations around mental health, more practitioners share
ways that ordinary people can support the mental health and wellbeing of
others. A highly recommended practice is to hold space for others.
PsychologyToday.com
says that holding space is:
In addition to the safe environment and full presence, holding space involves listening attentively. The listener is present for the speaker’s experience, does not make the conversation about them, does not shut down difficult conversation, and does not shy away from strong feelings.
-Psychology Today.
Com May25, 2023
Likewise,
HolisticeWellnessPractice.com says:
Show
up for someone, be fully present, without judgement as you sit with that person
through their difficult time – March 28, 2023 holisticwelnesspractice.com
The
independent stories and miraculous events of Jesus’ ministry, as presented in
the Gospel of Mark, demonstrate and embody holding space. In each healing, each
casting out of demons, Jesus is present with the individual. No judgement. No
conditions. Each context and experience are unique. You will recall a few weeks
ago, some were healed by words sight unseen, others were physically touched.
Holding
space --- Jesus takes the disciples aside, alone, to share information that
will be challenging and difficult to digest. Jesus needs to provide a space
where he can sit with the disciples without distractions. Where questions can
be asked, where disciples can feel and process that Jesus is going to die to
bring God’s kindom.
Holding
space --- In Capernaum, Jesus creates and holds space in a conversation with
the disciples, creating and holding space for the eavesdroppers in the room. By
physically setting a child in the middle of the conversation Jesus expands what
holding space means. In the safe circle of the disciples’ conversation, Jesus challenges
those present and the listener to sit with and welcome the marginalized. In the
1st century children were considered less than human, at best property.
And here Jesus extends welcome.
Holding
space --- I have never seen these words included in the job description of a
pastor. Yet, most of what I do is a holding of space for others. Pastoral care
visits, grief counseling, facilitating exploration in study groups, offering coffee and conversation, and sharing
in worship and prayer.
In
this specific space, during worship, although I move us through the liturgy it
is not I that is entirely responsible for holding space. Holding space is a communal
action and a communal ministry. This ministry requires a commitment from all of
us: to show up, to be present, to welcome the child and the marginalized, to sit
together, to listen, to pray, to sing, to share Christ’s peace – to be bodies
that embody the Christ.
Sacred
spaces. Communities that hold space are vital for the health and wellbeing of
the wider community. This space is gift!
Thank
you for holding space with me and participating in this ministry. It is a holy gift
that you are giving to the world!
Holding space confounds and scares away some people. Over the 20 years I have served with you, there are those who have left because holding space was a foreign concept. Coming to church was understood and practiced as an individual pursuit, rewarded by personal acquisition whether in answered prayers, deeper faith, affirming beliefs, or accolades. Some people have left because they were not finding any personal value or reward. Missing the point, or choosing, to ignore that following Jesus is not about ME.
Our
stories from Mark’s Gospel demonstrate Jesus holding space for the disciples, eavesdroppers,
children, the marginalized. There are stories of Jesus holding space for
himself – self-care, stepping aside – this action comes out of holding space
for others, so that Jesus is able to continue to minister to and be in
relationship with others. Jesus’ ministry for the most part is not about
personal acquisition or storing up treasures for himself. Jesus’ life and death
is about the other.
I
am often asked, “What can I do? How can I serve?”
I
believe that the single greatest ministry of a community of faith is providing
a holy holding space for others.
Showing
up for worship is ministry. And coming with an attitude and expectation, not to
acquire value for yourself, but rather a perspective of holding space for
others.
Consider ---
Today,
you may not hear something you desperately wanted to hear, because you held
space for someone else to hear what they needed to hear.
Today,
you may leave without your questions or prayers answered, instead you held
space for someone else to receive their daily bread.
Perhaps you will not hear something that challenges you, you held space for someone else who was challenged by what was said and it will change their life.
And
you may leave feeling like you did not experience God today, remember you held
space for someone else who did experience God.
As
we hold space for each other, Christ is embodied and present. In this space
through community, Word and Sacrament, grace washes over us, all of us – the whole
space; and we are held in God's grace upon grace.
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