Ordinary 25B (Mark 9:30-37)
This week’s Gospel may be the second Passion prediction, but being told that Jesus will be killed is no easier on the second hearing. Maybe the disciples don’t ask questions because they’re afraid it could be true.
Typical, isn’t it? That we remain silent when we do not understand something. That in moments when it is clear we have no idea what has been said or what is going on, we are unwilling to ask for clarification or further explanation.
Why? What are the disciples afraid of? What are we afraid of?
When we don’t comprehend something, we tend to figure out all kinds of ways to assuage our discomfort. We avoid asking questions so as not to appear stupid. We don’t want to expose our lack of knowledge, and so we say nothing at all. We disagree, but we dread disappointment and stay mute. It’s a vulnerable place, not knowing. If we don’t get it, this must have something to do with our failure and incompetence.
