January 26

[media presentation below]

GospelThink

Monday, January 26

MARK 3:22-30

Evil in Our World

Prayerthoughts

a. There are many references to the devil or Beelzebul or demons in the Gospels. In my opinion, what is the number one evil in the world today, and what can I do about it?

b. Jesus is answering the accusation that He is a demon, and speaking of kingdom and houses divided. The image is one to think about personally. Have I deliberately divided my family or acquaintances by bringing about evil in any way?

c. Jesus’s words of binding up a strong man in order to take his property suggest the possibility that I have deliberately “bound” up leaders in our society by my words. Perhaps I should look at my criticisms of people in government to make sure that I am looking for the truth and not my own biases.

d. Jesus makes it clear that all sins and blasphemies will be forgiven. If I want forgiveness for my sins, Jesus will give it to me. Do I feel as though I am completely forgiven of all my sins and do I thank God for mercy?

e. The sin “against the Holy Spirit” is simply giving ourselves completely to evil. I obviously am trying not to do that, given my meditation on these Gospels, but there is some evil in my life; have I sufficiently asked for forgiveness?

f. My prayerthoughts…

Today, I will read 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1;1-5 and write an important thought from it.

Some Thoughts on the Liturgy

THINKING ABOUT SIN

+ During this discourse of Jesus, Jesus makes an incredibly hopeful statement—

All sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them.

- there is an exception given—that only the sin against the Spirit will not be forgiven—but not one to be dwelled on because in the context of the Gospel, it means that the sin that is not forgiven is one who attributes Jesus’ healing to the power of Satan which a true believer would never do

- so Jesus is saying in effect to us: no matter what kind of sin that our human natures get into, it can be forgiven because of our basic acceptance of Jesus into our lives

+ It might be good to concentrate for a few moments on the fact that God will forgive every sin

- the reason for it is given in the theology of the letter to the Hebrews

- Jesus offered once and for all the sacrifice of his body to take away the sins of the people

- so that is the reason why every sin can be forgiven: Jesus accomplished that end

+ Considering that every sin will be forgiven, however, a couple of things must be born in mind:

1 – there must be a proper interior disposition on our part to have our sins forgiven

- we have to want to be forgiven,

- and to have that, we have to really be convinced that we have sinned

- acknowledging to God that there are faults and failings in our lives that we have to work on

2 – even as the sin is forgiven, there must be a desire to do something about it

- there must be an effort toward that end or else we haven’t understood real forgiveness

+ The talk of Satan in the Gospel is significant here

- Jesus points out the stupidity of saying that he is possessed by Satan

- but he doesn’t deny the presence of Satan in the world

- evil is going to work the hardest on people who are trying to be close to God

- we must be aware of the power of evil, as Jesus was, and continue to fight against it with prayer and spiritual reading

+ We can rejoice because we know that every sin will be forgiven, but we have to continue to do our part.

MEDIA PRESENTATION-

Song: "Happier" -- Marshmello

EVEN THEN I WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY

The Gospel

MATTHEW 26:47-50

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.”

Gospelthink: One of the most difficult times of my life was the betrayal of Judas. Do I "betray" the Lord by my sins?

"Lately, I’ve been thinking, I want you to be happier. With all that has happened, I think that we both know the way that the story ends. Know that means I’ll have to leave. Lately, I’ve been thinking I want you to be happier. So, I’ll go.”

Marshmello's song "Happier" addresses a difficult subject, namely loving someone so much that the man in the relationship is even willing to give up the relationship if the other person wants it. It is what might be called the ultimate proof other than dying for them that someone loves another.

Jesus found himself in such a situation as he came to the close of his life. Not only was he willing to give up his life because he loved us, but his individual consideration of Judas is another such example. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus addresses Judas as “friend,” reminding him of their intimate relationship and holds out to him the possibility of forgiveness, recalling that Judas had previously partaken in the cup of his blood that is shed for forgiveness of sins. Up to the final statement of Judas' betrayal, Jesus continued to show his love for Judas.

People involved in romantic relationships have a number of things to consider besides the natural attraction that each has for the other. Perhaps the major one would be the question about a permanent commitment that the two could make. If they choose not to, of course, there is the whole question of the "break-up." The songs of our day reflect that possibility often. If the break-up occurs, the question arises about how the two should react to each other. If Jesus were asked about his opinion, although the marriage pattern in first century Palestine was different, he would probably refer to his doctrine of love of another. No doubt, he would ultimately say that even if the break-up occurs in which one must leave, it should be a friendly one. It seems to be the thought of Marshmello in his song "Happier."

We choose whom we will marry, and as we do it, we must always give the other the chance to move on without us. It is one of the most difficult acts that the human being does.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, Your Son's doctrine of love of neighbor must be our guide no matter what the situation. Help us remember it even though it might mean that we will not have our way. Be with us, we pray.

+++++

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: The ultimate sign of love of someone else is to give them the opportunity to leave the relationship if they choose.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What does the song "Happier" teach young people?
2. In your opinion, do most couples want to allow the other in a relationship to control whether they will stay together or not? Why?
3. From your knowledge of the Scriptures, why did Judas betray Jesus?
4. Do you think that most "break-ups" are friendly? Why are many of them not friendly?
5. Is there such an action as "love at first sight"? Why is it so uncommon?