More Wisdom from Mark

The Roman Catholic Lectionary presents texts which, at first glance, seem to be very different. The conclusion of the 2nd letter of Peter looks to the final days when creation comes to an end. The author exhorts the reader to be found at peace when Jesus returns. Marks’s gospel relates an episode of the authorities attempting to disturb the peace of the companions of Jesus. The technique is to pose and either/or question or proposal. A practical and spiritual strategy advocated by Franciscan priest and scholar, Richard Rohr is to encourage wisdom and peace by avoiding dual thinking. Jesus response is non dual. He seeks, literally and figuratively to see both sides of the coin. In this way, wisdom is advanced and peace is maintained. The psalmist speaks of seventy years, perhaps eighty, if we are strong. How precious is the peace we enjoy by acting wisely during our time.