April 14: Leviticus 10-12; Psalm 34; Mark 9-10

Leviticus 10-12
I am reminded as I read the story of Nadab and Abihu of the statement about Aslan, the Christ figure in CS Lewis's Narnia books: "He is not a tame lion!"  And still more, of the exchange between Susan and Mrs. Beaver.  Susan: "Oooh, is he [Aslan] safe?"   Mrs. Beaver: "…he is not safe, but he is good."
Except to our 21st century eyes the LORD here seems almost petty and I find myself on the verge of judging God as too harsh and arbitrary in his punishment.

There follows the basic statements about clean and unclean animals, and the animals that it is permitted for the Israelites to eat.  The distinction was assumed as early as the Noah story in Genesis, but not clearly articulated until here.

Again, Prof. Christine Hayes' lecture may be helpful in a charitable and informed reading of Leviticus 12.   The distinction between RITUAL uncleanness and guilt is helpful.  Childbirth and menstruation render a woman RITUALLY unclean, as do many things having to do with blood and bodily fluids.  But they do not make a person guilty.

Psalm 34
This is a psalm that expresses joy that God has brought the psalmist safely through hard times.  Again, I think of Anne Lamott's taxonomy of prayer: "Help! Thanks! Wow!" and realize that there are psalms that fit into each of those categories.
"Taste and see that the LORD is good;
happy are those who take refuge in him." (34:8)

and also:
"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit." (34:18)

How reassuring that is!

Mark 9-10
What do you think 9:1 means about "the Kingdom of God" coming "with power"?
I think we're rushing through this reading of Mark's Gospel in part so that we can reach the parts of the Gospel that take place during Holy Week, as we are now in Holy Week, though this year in our church we read from Matthew's Gospel.
So here we come upon the Transfiguration and the prediction of Christ's death that follows that beautiful and mysterious event.
Notice the importance of Elijah (9:9 ff).  He is a figure that is hugely important in Judaism.  The passover table leaves a setting open for Elijah.
9:32--After Jesus says he will be assassinated, what do you think of the disciples' response?
9:33 ff--and look at how the disciples' cluelessness is reinforced by Mark's placement of this little vignette of the disciples arguing about who is the greatest!
9:49--I have never found a commentary that is really helpful about this statement of Jesus: "Have salt in yourselves"--but the next instructions are "…be at peace with one another"  which is abundantly clear and even in our beloved parish family sometimes quite challenging.

Ch. 10 lumps together teachings about family/domestic arrangements/children.
And perhaps in that context, the story of the Rich young man appears.  After all, he knows the commandments, including 'honor your father and mother'.
Mark is really clear that Jesus thinks that wealth and the relative independence and self-regard that it brings are dangerous to one's ability to trust God.