Jesus invites us to listen in to this intentional, intimate conversation with his disciples about life and death. These conversations about what matters the most can be difficult to have at the best of times. They are even more difficult to be present to when we are feeling afraid, confused or unsure how to be in them.
You might find that like the disciples, there are some things which you feel afraid to talk about with Jesus. It can be so enlightening when we realize, “oh…I’ve been feeling afraid about talking about that in my prayer” or “I did not think to bring that topic into conversation with him”. So often, we need to begin, and begin again, in our own place of feeling welcomed, embraced, loved and known by God before we feel safe enough to speak about some of these deeply personal topics.
As you pray with these living words of Jesus today, may you notice what you most long for from him. It might be a conversation. It might be some shared moments of silent presence together – a wordless embrace.
Mark 9:30-37 (The Message)
Leaving there, they went through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know their whereabouts, for he wanted to teach his disciples. He told them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed to some people who want nothing to do with God. They will murder him. Three days after his murder, he will rise, alive.” They didn’t know what he was talking about, but were afraid to ask him about it.
They came to Capernaum. When he was safe at home, he asked them, “What were you discussing on the road?”
The silence was deafening—they had been arguing with one another over who among them was greatest.
He sat down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all.”
He put a child in the middle of the room. Then, cradling the little one in his arms, he said, “Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me—God who sent me.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
Was there any particular emotion or longing which emerged as you listened to the scripture? Notice it. Be curious about it. Talk it over with Jesus in your prayer.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.
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