Passion Sunday [B]
PASSION SUNDAY
Because we are in the “B” cycle, this year’s Passion reading will come from the Gospel of St. Mark. Last year, with cycle “A,” we heard St. Matthew’s account. Next year, observing cycle “C,” we will hear from St. Luke. If you are wondering about St. John, we spend time in his Gospel every year, especially during the seasons of Lent and Easter. As for Mark, his Gospel bears a resemblance to both Matthew and Luke. These are called the “Synoptic Gospels,” because they appear to be synchronized around a common body of source material. We find plenty in the way of similarities, but we also find peculiarities---elements that are unique to each of the Synoptics. For example, with regard to Mark’s version of the Passion, attention is called to a particular young man who panics as the authorities come to arrest Jesus. He, likewise, very nearly gets apprehended, but they manage only to grip the hem of his tunic. The unnamed disciple slips out of his garment and runs off into the night, naked and afraid (Mark 14:51).
We should note the words “naked and afraid.” These are familiar words, which originally appear in chapter three of Genesis. Adam and Eve have partaken of the forbidden fruit; now they feel the need to hide and cover themselves (3:7-11). The young man from Mark 14 has likewise transgressed, not by partaking but by turning away. He hasn’t violated a prohibition, but has instead rejected an invitation. As a follower of Christ, he becomes clothed in grace, a callback to Isaiah 61:10, which describes the “robe of salvation.” But by turning away, he surrenders what had served as cover---what had been gifted to him is now stripped away.
Is this the last we hear of the young man, this unnamed disciple? Interestingly, an unnamed young man shows up later, in chapter 16. He’s at the empty tomb, advising the women not to be afraid. And according to the text, he’s wearing a white robe (Mark 16:5-8). Could he perhaps represent the concept of restoration? Jesus had his followers gathered around him as he prayed in Gethsemane. But in the face of danger, they all run away, leaving Jesus abandoned (14:50). In other words, they all have fallen from grace. But we know they will eventually experience a glorious restoration. In effect, their garments are returned to them. This would suggest that the young man needs to be understood symbolically---not an unusual occurrence, where the Bible is concerned.
However, we also have to consider the possibility that Mark is sharing some portion of his own story. A rich young man shows up earlier in chapter ten---again unnamed. He displays some interest in becoming a follower of Jesus, but turns away when he learns that there will be a great cost. According to verse 22, the young man owned many possessions. The prospect of giving up what he had accumulated seems overwhelming. But suppose the young man spends some time off-screen, ruminating. Suppose he eventually returns, having given up his significant wealth. Suppose further that he ends up having to relinquish even the tunic off of his back, as the authorities close in. And finally, suppose this young man goes by the name of John Mark.
Many scholars believe that Mark does what so many Renaissance artists did six hundred years ago: he paints himself into the picture, just as Michelangelo paints himself into that depiction of the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. If these scholars are correct, then it might come across as a bitter pill for poor Mark. He gives up all of those possessions, and it even becomes necessary for him to give up the tunic off his back. But look at it this way: he reflects back on the experience and decides to record it as part of the Good News. It’s just what we might expect a restored disciple to do. Whatever you may suffer, it’s worth it for the sake of being in relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. A blessed Holy Week to all of you.
