I am tempted to rename today’s gospel passage “the dialogue with the Good Scribe.” In general, Scribes do not come across well in the gospels. Along with the Pharisees and the Sadducees, they are consistently presented as Jesus’ most vociferous and conspiratorial opponents from the dawning of his ministry until his Crucifixion. It is easy to simply write off the entire group as irredeemable enemies of Jesus and his gospel.
Today’s passage from Mark offers another lens. It begins in a familiar fashion with the Good Scribe asking Jesus a seemingly trap question, “Which is the first of all of the commandments?” But after Jesus responds (in classic rabbinic fashion) by combining the shema of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (“you shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul, and strength”) and Leviticus 19:18’s call to love your neighbor as yourself, the Good Scribe flips the script on our expectations. He does not walk away angry. He does not join a conspiracy against Jesus. He does not continue “disputing about words,” to echo St. Paul’s admonition in the first reading from 2 Timothy. Rather, the Good Scribe affirms the truth of Jesus’ dual “first commandment” to love God and neighbor, recalling the Prophets’ consistent exhortation to prioritize justice and right relationship over sacrifice. In response, Jesus offers high praise: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
It bears no repeating that Americans live in an increasingly polarized political climate. I have also seen this dynamic play out in my research in eastern Africa where ethnicity, party, religion, and generation (Gen Z vs. the Gerontocracy) have become major social dividers. One of the great dangers of polarization is the collective stereotyping that accompanies it. We know what these people are like before we even encounter them, and we know they are bad. Rather than a unique subject of inestimable dignity, the individual human person is subsumed beneath a categorization. It is hard to even encounter the person outside their perceived “tribal” loyalties and identities.
Standing with the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan Woman, and “Good Pharisees” like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, Mark’s Good Scribe undermines this “us and them” dynamic. Jesus calls every person to be his disciple, loving God and neighbor alike. He praises truth and goodness wherever he encounters them, even amidst the opposition. Can we do the same?
Jay Carney
I came to Creighton in 2011 and teach a wide range of classes here, from freshman theology through graduate seminars in Christian spirituality. My research engages questions of reconciliation, theology of sport, and World Christianity, especially Catholicism in modern Africa.
I am married with four children in secondary school and college. My wife Becky is a remarkable soulmate and friend, and our children have given both of us much love and laughter (and, of course, a few wrinkles). I grew up in the Washington, DC area and have also lived in Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Uganda. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running, cycling, soccer, food, fellowship, and listening to music of all genres.
Writing Collaborative Ministry reflections is humbling…I’ve gained newfound respect for the homilist’s task! I feel that I am preaching to myself as much as anyone else. It’s wonderful to know that so many people are walking together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers!
