Archive for January 2013

February 10  Readings      Read Mark 4:35-6:44       Myers, chapters 6, 7, 8, pages 53-78 Background: The first two sessions focus on subverting the status quo. With this session we begin the constructive task of building solidarity. Myers introduces Bartolome de las Casas at the start of chapter 6. He was the owner of slaves…

February 17  Readings      Read Mark 7:1-8:21         Myers, Chapters 9 & 10, pages 79-96  Background: The conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities escalates. Jesus’ disciples are accused of violating the purity codes. Jesus accuses the religious authorities of extortion. Myers introduces the “hermeneutic of suspicion,” which is a way of asking questions about…

February 24  Readings      Read Mark 8:22-10:16    Myers, Chapters 11, 12, 13, pages 97-123  Background: Myers calls this session and the next the “discipleship catechism.” The catechism has five elements. This week we learn about three of them: the way of the cross, prayer, and solidarity. Apocalyptic images come to the forefront as we…

March 3   Readings           Read Mark 10:17-52        Myers, Chapters 14 &15, pages 124-139  Background: Part two of the discipleship catechism focuses on economics and leadership. Myers says that “our addiction to affluence” is the most pervasive and difficult of human addictions. We learn why Jesus is unable to grant the…

March 10  Readings        Read Mark 11:1-13:37    Myers, Chapters 16, 17, 18, pages 143-180  Background: Jesus entry into Jerusalem is street theater. His strategy is to break “the spell of credulity”—the net cast over all people. Myers invites us to examine “texts of terror”—those biblical stories that are particularly violent—and offers guidelines for…