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In today’s readings we join a small group to listen as a town-crier proclaims the benefits and blessings of wisdom (Proverbs 1); we also overhear the inherent dangers of speaking with words that lack wisdom (James 3), and in the gospel lesson we observe a small band of disciples who resemble simple ones of the Proverbs who seem more mesmerized with power than humble service. Yet even here, Lady Wisdom speaks a corrective, life-giving word that moves the disciples away from self-preservation and personal ambition to self-denial and discipleship. There’s plenty of wisdom surging through our lessons for this Sunday. Catch some!

Proverbs 1:20-33-Lady Wisdom Calls Out

Lady Wisdom calls out to us in our first lesson; notice where such wisdom sounds from-from the streets, squares, the busiest corner, at the entrance to the city gates (vs. 20-21). Notice too, the edge that her words have (v. 22)-How long will you . . . love being simple? Delight in cynicism? Hate knowledge? But she also includes an invitation to her hearers: "Give heed . . . I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known" (v. 23). The next paragraph and the rest of the chapter describes Lady Wisdom’s temperament when dunderheads, unwise and simpletons refuse her gifts Thus, on this Sunday our mission is to focus on the value and possibility of living the life that is wise through God’s Wisdom so that the rest of the chapter will not be written about us!

James 3:1-12-The Power of Life and Death

The power of words to hurt others forms the theme for our second lesson. Hurtful words that convey erroneous teaching, words ignited by hell’s flames, words full of deadly poison; words that curse and bless in the same breath-all such words make this lesson a very sobering reflection. The emphasis is on the negative impact of words, the incongruity of speaking evil and good from the same lips, and the damaging impact such words effect. The metaphors are also emotive, drawn from various places in creation-biological, nautical, environmental, and social areas. As the Proverb says, "death and life are in the power of the tongue," so in James we must ponder how we will use that power.

Mark 8:27-38-You’re Christ, Right?

Traveling conversations: listen to the roadside chatter on the dusty road to Jerusalem. "What are you hearing about me?" "Oh, you know, some are saying, "You’re John the Baptist; others are of the opinion that you’re Elijah or one of the other prophets." "Really?" says Jesus. "Well then, what are you saying about me? Who am I to you?" We know the response that will be uttered by Peter. Confident. Unambiguous. But no sooner does Jesus explain about the suffering ordeal that awaits him, when Peter yanks him aside with a stern rebuke. Jesus responds with some of his own energy: "Outta my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea what this is about." The final piece of drama follows this stinging rebuke with Jesus’ words about self-preservation and confession of Jesus as the Son of Man.