Prop 8 B + Independence/ Reclaiming Jesus + 6.30.24
M. Campbell-Langdell All Santos, Oxnard (2 Samuel 1:1, 17–27; Ps. 130; 2 Cor. 8:7–15; Mark 5:21–43) Today we pray: “Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.” In the church, we see ourselves as having Jesus as the cornerstone. He is central to everything we do. However, in light of an ongoing and troubling interpretation of Christian theology in our nation that has predominated in some circles, one that replaces natural patriotism with a Euro-centric concept of US exceptionalism, I wonder. Do US Christians really hold Christ above all? The Christ who was more interested in the healing of others than his own wellbeing? The Christ who suffered and died for us rather than exerting his own God-given power? When we glance at today’s gospel, we are faced with two amazing stories. Despite all of the trouble Jesus has been stirring up, nonetheless, Jairus, a leader in the...