Because Mark is a Short Gospel

7EasterB, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, May 12, 2024 by Annette Fricke, OPA Likely because Mark is such a short gospel, this Sunday is devoid of any Markan texts. Instead, the source of the texts is Luke and John. And, when we look at the comparison of Luke’s accounts, we find a contradiction in his reasoning in Acts compared to Luke’s gospel. Luke’s definition of the apostles is “those who were with Jesus” from his baptism until his ascension “now to serve as witnesses’ of Jesus’ words and actions, “especially the resurrection.” In other words, inclusive of the following, “(1) belonging to the Twelve, (2) exercising a ‘ministry,’ or office of service, (3) giving witness, and (4) being chosen, gifted with the Spirit, and sent.” This obviously does not apply to Paul since he calls himself an apostle! He and Mary Magdalene are exceptions because they are witnesses to the resurrection and disciples with Jesus in his ministry, but not of the Twelve. “Luke, himself, by delaying the account of the choice of the Twelve until chapter 6 of his gospel, cast doubt on their having been in fact present at Jesus’ baptism!” And thus, the question that follows is this, Are the Twelve considered to be more legitimate as the authoritative ones to follow as to the teachings of Jesus and the account of what happened?” At my time in a Roman Catholic seminary, studying the writings of Paul meant studying Protestant writings. A different perspective. Luke’s “account insists in the choice of a twelfth man to” restore the original number of twelve. This follows the Old Testament way of casting lots to show that the choice is God’s. Although we know that lots being cast is mentioned 70 times in the Old Testament and 7 times in the New Testament, we don’t know the details as to how that was done. This is no longer a practice in Christianity. Decisions are made by reading and meditating on the scriptures, listening to the Holy Spirit, and prayer. “As eyewitnesses, they guaranteed the truth of the tradition to be handed on,” …forming “a bridge between Jesus’ life and the future church.” They were the Twelve “for their lifetimes, but no successor apostles were ever chosen.” Although Judas, as a betrayer to Jesus is replaced, Peter, who also betrayed Jesus, here takes the lead. “No rehabilitation, no redemption for Judas—only replacement—supervised by the same Peter who ‘three times’ repudiated Jesus. This is yet another facet of the Judas problem the New Testament leaves hanging.” We, like Peter, can try to explain why Judas did what he did, but we really don’t know the reasons or the future fate of Judas. All we know is that we are the present-day disciples, all of us who are not apostles; all of us who are not meeting any of the criteria put forth according to the Book of Acts. The ministry of the Twelve, the restored Twelve is what has shaped the ministry from that day forward. “The Holy Spirit soon engulfs all believers, regardless of age, gender, and social class. Outside the 12, Barnabas, Stephen, and Philip the evangelist (not apostle) emerge as key servant-ministers.” “Unnamed missionaries spread the gospel outside Jerusalem, Paul is transformed from arch persecutor to chief proclaimer of Christ, and women like Tabitha, Lydia, Priscilla, and Philip’s four daughters become leaders, teachers, and prophets in local congregations.” A tradition continued by modern-day Bishop’s committees and vestries: “in replacing Judas, the very process of nomination and selection stresses cooperative involvement by the apostles and assembly—with God!” What does this piece of scripture teach us? Cooperation and working together, always asking God to guide our decisions to carry on the sacred work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth; forgiving as God forgives us.