[media presentation below] GospelThink Friday, January 26 MARK 4:26-34 I tell you two stories which talk of how God is working with the Church. Prayerthoughts a. Jesus reminds us that we do not know how the Kingdom will come about. As I study my life, there are no doubt times when I did not proclaim the Kingdom of Jesus as I should have. I should take some time to pray for forgiveness. b. In Jesus’ comparison, the Kingdom began very small, that is with Jesus and his Apostles. From my knowledge of Jesus’ teachings, what are the most important teachings for me? c. The Kingdom of God is meant to extend to everyone without exception. Do I find myself “excluding” certain people from my consideration of God’s people? Perhaps I should take the time to pray for those whom I have forgotten. (This is the task of the meditation.) d. Do I take the time to think about the Gospels, and make the practice a significant part of my day? e. My prayerthoughts…   Today, I will carry out letter c and write a prayer for them. Some Thoughts on the Liturgy  DO NOT DRAW BACK  + Both readings today can be understood as assurances that the spiritual life will develop  + The author of the letter to Hebrews uses the phrase: “do not draw back”           – and we might use it as our point of discussion for our meditation this morning                      – we must not be among those who draw back on our spiritual lives                                – and the question: how do we draw back?  + 1 – we draw back by a lack of patience                      – the author of the letter to the Hebrews is referring to the lack of patience with regard to spiritual matters                                – we can’t lose heart when it comes to our spirituality                                          – both our own and the world’s                                                    – we often lose patience and wonder whether we and the world will ever allow Jesus to be first                                                               – it will come  + 2 – we draw back by not recognizing that growth is really happening even when we don’t see it                      – Jesus’ first parable today points out that the growth of the kingdom will go on without the sower knowing                                – one of the enemies of consistency is that we don’t see enough progress                                          – and if we don’t see enough progress, we just may give up and forget everything                                                    – the fact is: as Jesus points out, progress is being made                                                               – as long as one continues to sow, that is, continues to work at his/her spiritual growth, it will happen  + 3 – again, from the Gospel: we draw back by not being able to recognize that one starts small                      – Jesus’ second parable shows that the kingdom of God in general is going to start small and grow big                                – the spiritual life is one that has to begin some place                                          – and the point I make is that that some place begins with Scripture, especially the Gospels                                                    – and advances to a full blown spiritual life  + When a person chooses to embark on the spiritual life—as we all have—on a life based on Jesus Christ           – there will be many obstacles that are placed there by the devil/evil                      – we must be among those who do not draw back, but among those who have faith and continue to work at it. MEDIA PRESENTATION- Song: “Happier” — Marshmello EVEN THEN I WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY The Gospel MATTHEW 26:47-50a While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.”

Gospelthink: One of the most difficult times of my life was the betrayal of Judas. Do I “betray” the Lord by my sins?

“Lately, I’ve been thinking, I want you to be happier. With all that has happened, I think that we both know the way that the story ends. Know that means I’ll have to leave. Lately, I’ve been thinking I want you to be happier. So, I’ll go.”

Marshmello’s song “Happier” addresses a difficult subject, namely loving someone so much that the man in the relationship is even willing to give up the relationship if the other person wants it. It is what might be called the ultimate proof other than dying for them that someone loves another. Jesus found himself in such a situation as he came to the close of his life. Not only was he willing to give up his life because he loved us, but his individual consideration of Judas is another such example. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus addresses Judas as “friend,” reminding him of their intimate relationship and holds out to him the possibility of forgiveness, recalling that Judas had previously partaken in the cup of his blood that is shed for forgiveness of sins. Up to the final statement of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus continued to show his love for Judas. People involved in romantic relationships have a number of things to consider besides the natural attraction that each has for the other. Perhaps the major one would be the question about a permanent commitment that the two could make. If they choose not to, of course, there is the whole question of the “break-up.” The songs of our day reflect that possibility often. If the break-up occurs, the question arises about how the two should react to each other. If Jesus were asked about his opinion, although the marriage pattern in first century Palestine was different, he would probably refer to his doctrine of love of another. No doubt, he would ultimately say that even if the break-up occurs in which one must leave, it should be a friendly one. It seems to be the thought of Marshmello in his song “Happier.” We choose whom we will marry, and as we do it, we must always give the other the chance to move on without us. It is one of the most difficult acts that the human being does.

PRAYER Good and gracious God, Your Son’s doctrine of love of neighbor must be our guide no matter what the situation. Help us remember it even though it might mean that we will not have our way.  Be with us, we pray.

+++++ GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT Theme: The ultimate sign of love of someone else is to give them the opportunity to leave the relationship if they choose. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What does the song “Happier” teach young people? 2. In your opinion, do most couples want to allow the other in a relationship to control whether they will stay together or not? Why? 3. From your knowledge of the Scriptures, why did Judas betray Jesus? 4. Do you think that most “break-ups” are friendly? Why are many of them not friendly? 5. Is there such an action as “love at first sight”? Why is it so uncommon?