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The Inversion Of Ambition

Sermon
Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Mark 9:30-37
John T. Ball
Sermons on the Gospel Readings
Series II, Cycle B
In today's text, Jesus teaches the disciples about the power of evil. He says plainly, "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him." Religious movements wanting to capture the attention of a large number of followers, need to have a realistic understanding of evil. No one will last long in a religion glossing over the harsh, brutal facts of human suffering. Dwelling only on those sweet moments when we walk in the garden with our Savior will soon bring us to having our faith shattered by the intrusions of evil -- ours, others, and that of history and nature.
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