A space for a contemporary woman disciple to give voice to justice concerns in a world where some still think that women’s words are just leros (Greek for “nonsense”) or, in Spanish, disparates
Experiential exegesis
A reflection and confession based on Mark 6:1–6
by Magdalena I. García
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.”And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.And he was amazed at their unbelief. —Mark 6:1–6
He went to the synagogue
and sat among them,
speaking boldly,
offering fresh insights,
knowledge beyond his credentials,
wisdom beyond his years,
challenging the status quo
turning on its head the official narrative.
At first the gathered were speechless,
amazed,
but soon they felt uncomfortable,
displaced.
Threatened by the message,
they chose instead
to attack the messenger,
questioning his origins,
smearing his character,
banning him from their circle.
Any of us who nowadays
sit on the margins of the church
could write a lengthy commentary
for the reading of this text.
Our own lives provide clues
to extract an interpretation;
our own wounds provide proofs
that hardly need translation.
God of the banned,
forgive us for cutting down and cutting off
those you have embraced and sent our way,
simply because they threaten us
with their presence.
God of the unwelcomed,
forgive us for cutting down and cutting off
those you have embraced and sent our way,
simply because they intimidate us
with their witness.
Magdalena I. García is a PC(USA) teaching elder and a hospice chaplain for Vitas Healthcare in Chicago. She is a graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary and a recipient of the 2008 PC(USA) Women of Faith Award. For permission to use content, write to magdalenagarcia@comcast.net.
At Magdalena’s previous parish, a rainbow flag celebrating LGBTQ identity joins the flags of the world during a homecoming service.
Exégesis experiencial
Una reflexión y confesión basada en Marcos 6:1–6
por Magdalena I. García
Fue a la sinagoga
y se sentó en medio de ellos
hablando audazmente,
ofreciendo nuevas perspectivas,
conocimientos más allá de sus credenciales,
sabiduría más allá de sus años,
retando el orden establecido
poniendo de cabeza la narrativa oficial.
Al principio los congregados estaban boquiabiertos,
admirados,
pero pronto se sintieron incómodos,
desplazados.
Amenazados por el mensaje
eligieron a cambio
atacar al mensajero,
cuestionando sus orígenes,
difamando su carácter,
excluyéndolo de su círculo.
Cualquiera de quienes actualmente
nos sentamos en los márgenes de la iglesia
podríamos escribir un copioso comentario
para la lectura de este texto.
Nuestras propias vidas nos dan pistas
para extraer una interpretación;
nuestras propias heridas nos dan pruebas
que apenas necesitan traducción.
Dios de los vetados,
perdónanos por rebajar y desvincular
a quienes tú has abrazado y enviado,
simplemente porque nos amenazan
con su presencia.
Dios de los desinvitados,
perdónanos por rebajar y desvincular
a quienes tú has abrazado y enviado,
simplemente porque nos intimidan
con su testimonio.