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There is an old story about a bandit...

Illustration
Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Richard A. Hasler
There is an old story about a bandit in the Far East who was badly injured and taken to a Christian mission hospital. Having received excellent care, he decided he would never again rob a Christian. Word got around about his resolve; therefore, when he tried to rob someone that person would profess to be a Christian. How could he tell who was really a Christian? The man went back to the mission hospital and asked the question. The missionaries said that anyone who was a Christian ought to be able to recite the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments.
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Contents
“Breaking Jesus’ Heart” by John Sumwalt
“Wade In the Water” by Frank Ramirez


Breaking Jesus’ Heart
by John Sumwalt
Psalm 22:23-31

For he did not despise or abhor
    the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,
    but heard when I cried to him. (Psalm 22:24)

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BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 17:1--7, 15--16 (C)
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These verses from Mark's gospel are a call to commitment, a call to sacrifice, and a call to give up everything of earthly value in life. To say these are difficult verses is truly an understatement. It is pretty clear that the disciples are not at all ready for what Jesus is saying. They are not ready for Jesus to die and they certainly are not ready to die themselves.

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