We continue with the selections from the gospel of Mark, and one of the things that we note in Mark’s Gospel is that there is always a tension, and it is a tension between Jesus and who he is. And the disciples. You saw that last week when Jesus first announces or shares with them what is going to happen as they continue on the way and ultimately will end in Jerusalem?

Several months ago, I shared with you my superpower. Who remembers what my superpower is?

Okay. Wow. My superpower is that I can sleep anywhere, at any time. I am a great sleeper. So in light of today’s gospel, I thought I would share my other superpower. And that is, I can pick the wrong line just standing in any department store, supermarket or drug store. I will always be in the wrong line. I’ve even moved from a line that was moving quicker to get into a line that slowed down.

We listen to the Scripture for this 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, and the scriptures are all very well connected. Today, the first reading from the prophet talks to a people who are in exile, and it speaks to them that God has not forgotten them, but that God will be bringing about a new day for them, and that new day will be signified by the actions of the one who will restore sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and speech to those who are speechless.