Homily on Mark 9.41-50
Originally given 23 May 2024 at St. Alban’s Church, Coventry
When I was in High School, I had to read James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. This book introduced me to the idea of stream-of-consciousness writing. I don’t remember much of the book, but I do remember on the first page Joyce goes from talking about a moo cow to wetting the bed as a baby to his father looking at him through a glass – and the reader doesn’t know if this is a magnifying glass or a drinking glass, but in any case the quick succession to different topics is a bit discombobulating. I mention stream-of-consciousness writing, because every time I read the Gospel of Mark, I think of this style. Mark seems to hop from one topic to the next, which are all seemingly unconnected, in fairly rapid succession. In order to decipher the meaning, I suggest we take each seemingly unconnected piece one at a time.
The reading begins with verse 41, ‘Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.’* This verse is in response to the disciples complaining that people who do not follow Jesus used the name of Jesus to drive out demons. This is a case of us against them, where the disciples feel they are the in-group, and therefore the only ones allowed to use the name of Jesus. However, Jesus makes clear that anyone who works in his name, regardless of if they explicitly follow him or not, is still very deserving of any reward. Through this, Jesus shows the reward of the glory of Heaven is not reserved just for this in-group of followers, but is open to all.
From this point, Jesus says, ‘If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.’ Earlier in the chapter, Jesus had placed a child among the crowd and explained that in welcoming the child, we welcome Jesus. This verse once again reminds us of the importance of children and the special place they hold in the ministry of Christ.
The next 6 verses talk about self mutilation for the purpose of saving your soul. The examples may seem shocking and extreme at first, but only if you take the words literally. Jesus was a brilliant public speaker, and in this case, he was speaking in front of a crowd of people. For this reason, he would use exaggeration to get a rise out of people. The point is not that we should mutilate ourselves, but rather that we should take very seriously the danger of sin.
And finally, the passage ends with Jesus reminding us to stay salty. Instead of using exaggeration as a tool, here Jesus is using metaphor. Salt is only effective if it keeps its saltiness, if it’s not salty, then it serves no purpose. We are only effective disciples if we share the Gospel in words and actions, otherwise there is no point in calling ourselves Christians.
So how do these seemingly disconnected stream-of-consciousness ideas fit together? The overall message is that all are welcome, and it is our duty as followers of Christ to ensure that welcome to all people. Whether someone is a perceived outsider or even a child, it would be a sin to keep them from the love of Christ. It is our duty to fight against all sin, and to follow Christ in our words and actions by including all people in Christ’s love. In other words, stay salty, my friends.
*Bible readings from NIV version
Reflections of a Christian 