“We are Finally “Free!”

I woke up early as usual on January 1, 1959, got dressed and went out the side door into the driveway and across the small field and street to my friend’s house.  The house was the humble “bohío” with a thatched roof.  Nobody was up.  I crouched under the open window and listened to the morning radio show, “Radio Reloj.”  Two reporters take turns reporting the news, while a loud ticking comes through marking each minute.  At the top of the minute, the time is announced, and the news continues.  

 As I listened, the news was interrupted by martial music,“The Stars and Stripes Forever.” How ironic that at the birth of the Cuban revolution, American marching music was played.  This went on for several minutes, then an excited voice came on the air with a bulletin: “Fulgencio Batista has left the island!! The 26 of July Rebels are victorious!! Cuba is free from tyranny!! Long Live the 26 of July movement!!  The bulletin was followed by the rebel hymn of the 26 of July.  

 I was overwhelmed.  What so many of us had been waiting for, had finally happened.  Now Cuba could experience real democracy under the democratic leadership of the Movement and guided by Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro.  

 I ran home to tell my family what had just happened.  Little did know then that the jubilation of the moment would to ashes ten months later.1959 Two days later, I followed with my brother and his friends downtown to find out more about the rebel victory. I remember watching men taking out gaming tables and roulette wheels out on the street, pouring gasoline on them and burning them. They were expressing their hatred for Batista’s corruption.  Other men with baseball bats were smashing parking meters to shake loose the cash, also part of the corruption.

“Visit to Urabá, Colombia Chapter 1”

I was travelling as a promoter for Alfalit Latino Americano to San Pedro de Urabá, close to the Panamanian border on the Caribbean side of Colombia.  I arrived at Monteía which is the starting point for travelers entering the Darién Gap, a region in the jungles in northern Colombia. Thousands of desperate immigrants were trying to get through Panamá to the US border. Darién is a dangerous place filled with violent criminals and animals. Rushing streams have been swept down rivers.

 I waited in the parking area, as my truck filled with passengers.  The driver would leave when his truck was full.  The roof of the truck was covered with a thick canvas from the sun.Three wide benches were set one in front of each other behind the driver. The sides were open. The air was sticky with humidity. There was no breeze. Standing still my shirt was soaked with sweat.

 I sat in the back bench with my back at the opening of the canvas.  At least I could get a breeze.  Yet, dust came in while we were moving on the road. We left at around 10:00 PM.  I found out later that we would arrive at San Pedro at around 5:00 PM. Time is indefinite and flexible under these circumstances.  

 The average speed on the muddy rutted path (it wasn’t a road) was about 20 MPH.  No need to fret when we would arrive to San Pedro. My José Navaja, Alalit promoter, knew that and would find out I had arrived when he heard the roar of the big, diesel engine.

 During the middle of the journey, I arrived at a small thatch-roof road stand.  It offered some sodas and deep fried empanadas (chicken or beef).  I passed. Long ago I learned to avoid anything that was boiled or cooked and prepared with boiled water. I had a few crackers and water on me.  But I had to go to the bathroom.  There were many choices out in jungle. I got out of the truck and went into the bush.  Once I was finished, the truck was filled with the passengers and I was the last to get on.  The truck had a spare tire bolted on the back.  I was tired of swallowing dust, so I decided to stand on the tire, while grasping the metal frame of the roof.  It was much better, as the breeze passed through my face.  It had rained and the air was cooler.

 Eventually I got back in, into the back, and began to visit with the passengers.  Everyone was friendly with me.  Of course, they knew I was a gringo.  How can a blond blue eyed, 6 – 1 man wearing Levi Strauss bluejeans hide his identity surrounded by black and brown skin, short people. 

 I spoke to a friendly young man riding with me in the truck. I would be greeted with a big surprise later due to this “chance” encounter.

 José Navajaia is a lay pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Columbia.  He preaches at the small church nearby, and conducts literacy classes for the students in San Pedro. That evening oriented me with the challenges he faces with his literacy work. 

 The province of Uraba is lightly populated, mostly farmers with a few scattered villages. Most of the people eke out living from subsistence farming is the primary economy. They live on the margins without the bare necessities: few clinics, food insecurity, lack of schools, has been the way of life for centuries. 

Jorge told me that the National Army of Liberation (ELN) is active in the area, fighting the Colombian Army and attacking police stations in the villages. The ELN sabotages the electric lines and the recently a paved road, being constructed by the government. Perhaps the central government is making its presence known to win the hearts and minds of the local population.

 Then it dawned on me that this was the first time that I was in the middle of a war zone - an area where the Colombian army engages the ELN in counter-insurgency warfare. A bit anxious, I wondered how the ELN would respond if they knew that was a “gringo,” in there in their midst. Would they take kindly of me if they found out? I represented the country engaged in the over 40 years “containing communism,” often supporting violent regimes, with little regard to human rights, engaging a “scorched earth policy” with high “collateral damage." 

 In my second trip to Uraba, I would realize how true this was, but that belongs in chapter 2.    

 The next day we walked through the magnificent, primordial bush. There were several layers of in canopies forest, verdant, untouched and pristine. I wonder what remains after 34 years.

 I heard a loud squawking and chattering.  Looking across a clearing to the trees, I an amazing and rare sight.  A pair of replendesant macaws, male and female, flying side by side, along edge of the jungle. Their red, blue, green, and yellow feathers stood out against the green background of the forest.  Their tails streamed behind them. I am certain that I will never see macaws in the wild again – a cherished memory seared in m.y brain

 We arrived at a clearing where a humble a homestead stood. We were welcomed by a young woman who looked to be in her 40’s, but looked like she was in her 60's. A couple of children were played on the dirt floor.  A sleeping infant lay on a small hammock, as its mother rocked the child, while cooking on an open, wood stove, as  smoke exited through on palm frond roof.  The mother was one of Jose’s literacy students.. There are more illiterate women than men in the marginal areas of Colombia, and the of Latin America.

The next morning, we set out walking and arrived at a settlement.  There were two saddled horses waiting.  José said, “the next stop is a bit longer, so the farmer has leant us his horses.” I saw mine, and my first thought was that there was no way this scrawny nag would carry me through the jungle.  I’m 6’1” weighing 180 pounds.  Settled in the saddle, my feet nearly touched the ground.  What a site.  Jorge was lean and much shorter than me.  He laughed watching me on this small horse.  But off we went, slowly – surrounded by this wild forest interrupted by clear cut areas..  

 After we left another homestead, I noticed the thunder clouds gathering.  The rain, more like a monsoon.  The area was clear cut ill by poachers selling the irreplaceable, rare hardwood at high prices for export.  We came to a small hill.  I urged the horse up, but its small hooves sank into the mud. It pitched back as I slid off his back. as the horse kept coming over me. Next thing I knew, I was beside it, unscathed.   The soil had no anchor to stop the erosion. I could see large patches of top soil slide down the hill as water streaming underneath.  I witnessed what the environmentalists have been warning for years, when hills are clear cut- rapid erosion.

 We walked the rest of the way in pitched darkness, with the brilliant stars above until we arrived at our destination. We hardly could see our feet in front of us.  The darkness was almost total with the brilliant star filling skies, guiding us on our way. 

The accommodations  were primitive but adequate.  The frame of the bed that Jorge slept on had a rope mesh to hold a mattress filled with straw.  I slept in a hammock, like a baby. There is a way to sleep in a hammock.  Bend one leg to open it. Touch a fixed object nearby, like a wall or a table, and move the hammock slowly.  You will be dreaming in five minutes.

 We returned to San Pedro at the end of the second day. We missed all the excitement, because while we were away, there was a gun battle between the ELN when they attacked the San Pedro police station, casualties unknown – a typical day in the neighborhood.

 The following evening Jorge and I attended a worship service at the Presbyterian chapel. As I entered, I recognized the young man I greeted while travelling on the SUV three days earlier.  When he saw me, he started to laugh.  As we talked, he told me that he is World Vision International, a community  development community, doing relief work in the area. Then he told me what happened after I left the SUV at the refreshment stand to go to the bathroom in the bushes.

 The passengers began to ask each other, “Who is this gringo? What is he doing here? They found my bag where I left it on the seat and searched it.  Not finding anything suspicious, they left the bag where it was. When I returned, no one said anything.

 The World Vision guy then said, “You’d better be careful as a North American traveling alone around here.  There are two kinds of North Americans here. Either they are missionaries or they are part of the the drug cartel.  Some of them don’t get to go home,” He said.

 Young literacy and Alfalit community organizers like others are on the front lines all over Latin America. They risk their lives to bring transformation and liberation with the peace of Jesus Christ.

Visit to Urabá, Colombia, Chapter 2

The following year, I returned to San Pedro de Uraba, Colombia.  I travelled the same route riding on the large Soviet SUV.  The pastor of the local Presbyterian church met me.  I rode on this motorcycle for a few kilometers to his home.  

 While on the way, with the wind whistling by us, he turned aside his face and told me that the ELN guerrillas knew that I was coming. I was dumbfounded. “How could they know?” “He said. "They know who is coming and going in their territory. "

 The pastor explained.  “A couple of nights ago, a young man came to may house in the middle of the night and informed me that they knew a North American was coming to San Pedro. ‘Why is he coming and what is here doing here?" he asked.

 I told him that he was invited by my church and Alfalit Colombiano to lead a workshop about community development.  Apparently the ELN was familiar with Alfalit’s activities for a long time, teaching adults literacy and community development. Up to now, they had not interfered with Alfalit and the Presbyterian church.  

 Then the young man said, “We will be at the workshop. You won’t know who we are, but we will pay close attention to what he says.”  

 As the pastor shared this with me, I wondered if the last part about “close attention,” was a threat and if they didn’t like what I said, what would happen to me? 

 The next day, I led the seminar with no incidents. I never asked the pastor if he saw an unfamiliar face in the group.  We will never know anyway, because I am here to tell the tale. 

My Dad, the Rotarian

I arrived in Cuba in 1951 with my missionary parents at the tender age of two. We lived in Camagüey in the middle of the island for 10 years until the Castro regime forced us to leave. My Dad, Victor Rankin, was the pastor of the local Methodist church. My mother, Katherine Rankin, was the high school English teacher at the Methodist school, next door.

It didn’t take long before my dad became acquainted with the community beyond the church, among them business men, bankers, lawyers, and doctors. A number were Rotarians at the local Camagüey club. 

Dad was sponsored and became a member. About all the members were Catholics. Dad was the only Protestant and a minister. At that time, Protestants and Catholics didn’t mix. 

Soon Dad’s fellow members recognized Dad’s openness and his genuine acceptance and his desire to be in relationship with them. He was elected as the club’s chaplain. His invocations were ecumenical, non-sectarian, and inclusive. 

Rotary members represented the Cuban middle class, the largest in Latin America at that time. They were the backbone of the Cuban economy. But the communist regime changed all that. All businesses were expropriated. Business owners fled Cuba with their families with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Many settled in Florida and became successful business men and women and professionals. 

Rotary clubs as well as all private institutions in Cuba were banned. Camagüey’s club was no more. 

We were forced to leave too. We were only allowed each a suitcase. We were lucky. We had tickets and passports. We were going back home. Tucked away in my Dad’s suitcase, was this Rotary club banner from the Camagüey club. 

This banner has been with me for 66 years. Now it is time to give it a new home- the Lakeland Rotary club. 

This banner symbolizes the Rotary clubs and its members who today around the world are threatened by oppressive regimes like in Ukraine, Sudan, and South Sudan. “Service Above Self” brings hope over despair where ever needed. Rotary lives on.

Change Reflecting 250 Independence

 As we near our 250th year of independence, we all have the opportunity to reflect on what makes our country exceptional over other nations in the world. Being exceptional doesn’t mean that we are better than other countries. Being exceptional shouldn’t be misunderstood as being dominant over countries. We have the ability to expand our democracy, as “we become a more perfect union.”

“We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal… that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

However, this was not the case on July 4, 1776 for the 500,000 enslaved people at that time; nor for landless men, nor for women. The right to vote was limited to only wealthy landowner white males.

However, our founders intentionally included this radical statement in our Declaration as a means for change so that liberty eventually could be expanded to include all Americans.  

The Constitution was designed by the founders to change with amendments, responding to excluded persons demanding justice and inclusion so that they too could be accepted as full citizens.

The first 10 amendments protect us from tyranny. The 14th amendment granted all persons born or naturalized the right to citizenship. The 15th amendment gave the right to vote to all citizens. The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote. Eventually all American citizens were given the right to vote.

This willingness to change and strengthen our democracy is why the US Constitution has been revered and adopted by more nations in the world than any other document. 

This is why we Americans are exceptional and the envy of the world. Happy 250th Birthday United States of  America.

Mi Buenos Aires Querido, Cuando te Volveré a Ver?

 My Dear Buenos Aires, when will I See You again? Carlos Gardel

My parents were assigned to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  David was heading to Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. I got caught up in the excitement of adventure with some anticipation.  In late 1963, the family split up again, and this time I was going with my parents.  We flew to Montevideo, to a South America missionary gathering at the exotic camp grounds in Punta Arenas.  I met with other “misskids” while our parents discussed issues relating to the region and mission opportunities.  Dad was appointed to an English speaking congregation which met at the historic Primera Iglesia Evangelica Metodista of Buenos Aires.  At the time it provided services for the “expat” English speaking communities, including British and American.  The sanctuary had been built in the mid-19th century in a neo-gothic style.  It was the home of Argentine Methodism, brought by a Methodist layman, English captain.  The Catholic church permitted foreign Protestants to meet and preach in their language.  Once the ban was lifted, Methodism grew out towards the Argentine people.  

Dad later told me that this Argentine sojourn of seven years was the highlight of his ministry.  The church members, were intelligent, self-motivated.  They were highly skilled executives appointed to represent their international companies in Argentina.  Argentina had a healthy heavy industry, including American and European assembly plants that churned out Fords, Chevys, Renaults, and Peugeots.  They even made the people’s car the two cylinder Citroen that bobbed up and down on the cobblestone streets.  

We arrived  at our new home on 640 Güiraldes Street in the Acassuso in the San Isidro District of Buenos Aires, outside of the Gen La Paz beltway.  The house was a roomy duplex, with a long backyard, and a built in brick grill.  

Argentina is famous for its cheap, range fed beef steaks and $0.50 a bottle red wines.  I was assigned to cook the steaks at least three times a week. Life was good.

I started the second semester at the American Community “Lincoln” School on the shore of the Río de la Plata in La Lucila.  I took the city train several stops south from the Acassuso station to La Lucila and walked to school.  

I soon realized that I wasn’t the only new kid at school.  I made friends quickly.  Some of those friendships continue to this day, thanks to Facebook.  I was in the later half of ninth grade.  There were three influential teachers.  I remember with great appreciation my teachers who guided and inspired me for the rest of my life.  Donato “Profe” Laurita, the athletic director.  Herminia Granito, girls athletic director, Joseph Czarnick, mathematics, Donald Hannon, political science and history, Walter Leibling, music and ensembles director, and Naum Mittelman, physics and chemistry.

I discovered that I had entered a wonderful, global world.  The students, mostly Americans were savvy in global ways, having already lived in a number of places around the world before they arrived in Buenos Aires—quite a sophisticated group.  I was most impressed and stimulated by hanging out with these folks. 

 

 

The Deeper Meaning of "Aloha"

While visiting the Big Island in Hawaii, I learned that “Aloha” means a lot more than a greeting. Curby Rule gives us “For those who follow the path of Huna, or are fortunate enough to live in Hawai'i, it is common for us to use the word Aloha. We use it in greetings and farewells and in expressing love. But the word means even more, it is a way of life. 

Besides these common meanings, the word Aloha holds within itself all one needs to know to interact rightfully in the natural world. These insights describe an attitude or way of life sometimes called "The Aloha Spirit" or "The Way of Aloha."

The spirit of Aloha was an important lesson taught to the children of the past because it was about the world of which they were a part. One early teaching goes like this: 

Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain - it is my pain. When there is joy - it is also mine. I respect all that is as part of the Creator and part of me. I will not willfully harm anyone or anything. When food is needed I will take only my need and explain why it is being taken. The earth, the sky, the sea are mine to care for, to cherish and to protect. 

 This is Hawaiian - this is “Aloha!”

 

A Sermon: Jesus the Provoker Mark 1:14-15

Mark 1:14-15

Introduction

In order to understand the life and ministry of Jesus we must know the context in which he lived in. It was a time when powerful political and religious forces abused the people of Israel, especially the poor and defenseless. Jesus came to free them from their oppression by announcing the presence of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. His Kingdom was for all humanity, not just a few chosen ones. 

His Kingdom was a direct challenge to the Roman Empire and the Temple authorities because the Kingdom of God would vanquish their kingdoms. 

Jesus’ message was liberating, but its practice was risky. 

 “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” Mark 1:14-15 

His Kingdom offered eternal and earthly salvation to all who received it. You could suffer and be killed for following it.

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25

Jesus’ message was such a threat to the powerful that eventually he was executed on a Roman cross. He gave his life to vanquish the powers and save humanity. Death was not the victor. He chose to die and live again with all humanity.

I remember in Sunday school, the teacher held a poster with the image of a white European man carrying a rescued lamb. That image gave the impression that Jesus was sweet, mild, and impotent. He only came to save us from our personal sins. 

More than likely, Jesus' image was that of a thirty year old man with brown skin, black hair, dark eyes, and an Arabic nose. True, Jesus' demeanor was that of a loving compassionate man, but was stern, even angry with those who would take advantage of the marginalized. He was courageous, provoking his adversaries, knowing that his presence and actions would take him to the Cross. 

Jesus had a plan action to provoke the powerful, while defending the  poor the marginalized, the ignored, and the invisible. His provoking wasn't political but intentional. But his adversaries interpreted his words and acts as political and subversive. 

Jesus Confronted Four Adversaries

The Political Authorities 

The Roman Empire 

The Roman Empire was the most powerful and ruthless military and political system in the ancient world.  There was no democracy, no civil rights, and no courts. Dissent was crushed. 90% of the population was the labor force and did all the work by enriching the wealthy 10%. Many were slaves for life. Others were indentured servants and tenant farmers. 90% paid exorbitant taxes while the 10%  paid none. To get ahead, corrupt officials bought titles and paid bribes for status and power. 

The Herodians

The Herodians were a Jewish political faction who supported the Herodian dynasty, favoring collaboration with Rome for political stability and power. They opposed Jesus, viewing him as a threat to their interests, and twice conspired with the Pharisees to kill him. They followed the legacy of Herod the Great who tried to kill Jesus in Bethlehem but instead slaughtered the innocents. Herod Antipas, whom Jesus called him the "Fox, " was Herod Great's son. He beheaded John the Baptist, and he handed Jesus over to Pilate to be executed. 

The religious authorities

Pharisees

The Pharisees were an influential Jewish religious sect during the time of Jesus known for their strict adherence to the Torah, (the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures) and its many moral and pious restrictions. They separated themselves from other Jews for spiritual purity. The Pharisees expected the people to fulfill 704 laws. When they failed, they were sinners, never to be accepted by God. To win God’s favor, they had to atone for their sins at the Temple by purchasing sacrificial animals at high prices, in order to get right with God. The Pharisees ran the animal markets and managed the funds, which the often stole from.

Jesus said: "They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others, but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. Matthew 23:4 

Instead, Jesus reduced the 614 laws of Pharisees into two laws.

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

And to answer those who accused him for abolishing the laws,

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."

"One Sabbath he was going through the grain fields, and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”…Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for humankind and not humankind for the Sabbath, so the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 3:23-27 

Jesus’ claim that he was Lord of the Sabbath made it clear that he was to overthrow the powers and usher in his Kingdom.. 

Sadducees

The Sadducees were an aristocratic priestly sect who controlled the Temple in Jerusalem. They also skimmed the money collected from the purchases of sacrificial animals. They were politically influential with the Romans.

The political and religious authorities maintained their status quo for power. 

Jesus’ very existence was a threat to the powerful.

It was they who made Jesus into a political figure, because this was the only way that they understood his teachings, miracles, and healings. 

Mary, proclaimed that her son would turn the world up ide down for justice and righteousness.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,… He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty..  Luke 1:46-53

Jesus was born, grew up, and lived under the oppression of the Roman empire and corrupt kings. His life was always in danger if he challenged them.

For example, Josepth and Mary were forced to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to pay exorbitant taxes by the order Caesar Augustus.

King Herod the Great feared this child would steal his throne. When Herod didn’t find Jesus, he slaughtered the innocents. 

The Holy family, fled for their lives and became a political,  undocumented and impoverished refugees, living with uncertainty.

King Herod Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and sent Jesus to the Roman governor to be condemned and crucified. 

Jesus was on a Dangerous Mission

The Kingdom of God’s aim was to offer the people to turn around (Gk metanoia) and believe the Good News. God's Reign was more powerful than the kingdoms of this world. That is why  Jesus was such a threat to them.

To the religious authorities

“Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They were watching him to see whether he would cure him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” 4 Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?” 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.” Mark 3:1-4,6

Jesus is tested for his loyalty to the empire

Some Pharisees and Herodians tried to trick him to commit treason against the empire.

"Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him. Mark 12:14-17

Jesus did say that all the coins of the empire, including this one belonged to Ceasar.  What he didn't say openly was that God owned all empires, including Ceasar's. Those present who knew the psalms remembered Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it,

On the way to Jerusalem he said to his disciples 

“that the Son of Man must under go great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."Mark 8:31-33

But the disciples didn’t get it until Jesus was resurrected. Peter implored  him not to go. Angrily, Jesus rebukes Peter for blocking him like Satan, to complete his mission on earth. l

His death sentence

Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves... “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers. “and when the chief priests and the scribes…kept looking for a way to kill him, for they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. Mark 11:15-18

Jesus is captured, tried, and sentenced to death

So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them, and after flogging Jesus he handed him over to be crucified. Mark 15:15

He Arose

The greatest motivation for the early Christians to risk their lives and follow Jesus and face death was because of Christ’s resurrection. His resurrection is available for all. Christian discipleship has its price. “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and  take up their cross and follow me" Mark 8:34

Two young men knew what was at stake when they decided to follow Jesus. They were Sermon  on the Mount Christians, who lived by it. They paid the ultimate price for challenging the powers.                  

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor lost his life for conspiring to kill Hitler. He said, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him to die.” Discipleship

Martin Luther King preached on that night before he was slain: 

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will." 

There are many ways that we can die as martyrs (witnesses) with Jesus while not paying the ultimate price. We can die to personal sin. We can speak truth to power. We can do the works of justice with those in the margins of society. 

Provoke the kingdoms of this world! Stir up the pot! Muddy the waters! Make good trouble! (John Lewis) Get angry! Speak truth to power! Be risky!, Walk the walk!, Stand up, don’t sit down! March! Take risks! Live the Sermon on the Mount, not just give it lip service to it! 

Join Jesus and transform  the world!

"Jesús el Provocador"

Predicado en la Iglesia Metodista Unida de San Marcos, Lakeland, Florida EE. UU.

Marcos 1:14-15

Introducción

Para comprender la vida y el ministerio de Jesús, debemos conocer el contexto en que el vivió. Era una época en la que poderosas fuerzas políticas y religiosas abusaban del pueblo de Israel, especialmente de los pobres y los indefensos. Jesús vino para liberarlos de su opresión, anunciando la presencia del Reino de Dios en la tierra tal como es en el cielo. Su Reino era para toda la humanidad, no solo para unos pocos elegidos.

Su Reino representaba un desafío directo al Imperio Romano y a las autoridades del Templo, pues el Reino de Dios vencería a sus propios reinos.

El mensaje de Jesús era liberadora, pero ponerlo en práctica resultaba un gran riesgo.

«Después de que Juan fue arrestado, Jesús fue a Galilea proclamando las buenas nuevas de Dios y diciendo: “El tiempo se ha cumplido y el reino de Dios se ha acercado; arrepiéntanse y crean en las buenas nuevas”». Marcos 1:14-15

Su Reino ofrecía salvación, tanto eterna como terrenal, a todos aquellos que lo recibían. Uno podía sufrir e incluso morir por seguirlo.

«Yo he venido para que tengan vida, y la tengan en abundancia». Juan 10:10

«Si alguno desea venir en pos de mí, que se niegue a sí mismo, tome su cruz y me siga. Porque el que quiera salvar su vida, la perderá; y el que pierda su vida por causa mía, la hallará». Mateo 16:24-25

El mensaje de Jesús representaba una amenaza tan grande para los poderosos que, finalmente, Jesús fue ejecutado en una cruz romana. Él entregó su vida para vencer a los poderes y salvar a la humanidad. Su muerte resultó victoriosa. Él eligió morir y volver a vivir junto con toda la humanidad.

Recuerdo que, cuando era niño y asistía a la escuela dominical, la maestra sostenía un cartel con la imagen de un hombre blanco de rasgos europeos que cargaba sobre su hombro a un cordero que había rescatado. Esa imagen transmitía la impresión de que Jesús era dulce, apacible e impotente; como si hubiera venido únicamente para salvarnos de nuestros pecados personales.

Lo más probable es que la imagen real de Jesús fuera la de un hombre de unos treinta años, de piel morena, cabello negro, ojos oscuros y nariz de rasgos árabes. Es cierto que el talante de Jesús era el de un hombre lleno de amor y compasivo, pero también era un hombresevero, e incluso se mostraba airado con aquellos que se aprovechaban de los marginados. Era valeroso y provocaba a sus adversarios, a sabiendas de que su presencia y sus acciones lo conducirían a la Cruz.

Jesús tenía un plan de acción diseñado para provocar a los poderosos, al tiempo que defendía a los pobres, a los marginados, a los ignorados y a los invisibles. Sus provocaciones no eran de índole política, sino intencionadas. Sin embargo, sus adversarios interpretaron sus palabras y sus actos como algo político y subversivo.

Jesús se enfrentó con cuatro adversarios:

El Imperio Romano

El Imperio Romano constituía de un sistema militar y político más poderoso y despiadado del mundo antiguo. La democracia no existía, ni los derechos civiles, ni los tribunales de justicia. Toda disidencia era aplastada. El 90 % de la población conformaba la fuerza laboral y realizaba todo el trabajo, enriqueciéndose así al 10 % adinerado. Muchos eran esclavos de por vida; otros, siervos por contrato o arrendatarios agrícolas. Ese 90 % pagaba impuestos exorbitantes, mientras que el 10 % restante no pagaba ninguno. Los funcionarios corruptos cobraban favores, compraban títulos y pagaban sobornos para obtener estatus y poder.

Los herodianos

Los herodianos eran una facción política judía que respaldaba a la dinastía herodiana, favoreciendo la colaboración con Roma en aras de la estabilidad política y el poder. Se oponían a Jesús, al considerarlo como una amenaza para sus intereses, y conspiraron en dos ocasiones con los fariseos para darle muerte. Seguían el legado de Herodes el Grande, quien intentó asesinar a Jesús en Belén, pero que, en su lugar, masacró a los inocentes.

Herodes Antipas, a quien Jesús llamó «el zorro» era hijo de Herodes el Grande. Fue él quien mandó decapitar a Juan el Bautista y quien entregó a Jesús a Pilato para que fuera ejecutado.

«En aquel mismo momento se acercaron unos fariseos y le dijeron: "Aléjate de aquí, pues Herodes quiere matarte"». Él les dijo: «Id y decidle a ese zorro de mi parte: “Mira, hoy y mañana expulso demonios y realizo curaciones, y al tercer día termino mi obra”». Lucas 13:31-32.

Las autoridades religiosas

Los fariseos

Los fariseos eran una influyente secta religiosa judía de la época de Jesús, conocida por su estricta adhesión al Torá (los primeros cinco libros de las Escrituras hebreas, atribuidos a Moisés) y a sus numerosas restricciones morales y piadosas. Se apartaban de los demás judíos en busca de pureza espiritual. Los fariseos esperaban que el pueblo cumpliera 613 leyes. Cuando no lograban cumplirlas, los fariseos declaraban que eran pecadores, indignos de ser aceptados por Dios. Para ganarse el favor de Dios, debían expiar sus pecados en el Templo comprando animales para el sacrificio a precios elevados. Los fariseos administraban los mercados de animales y gestionaban los fondos, de los cuales a menudo robaban.

Jesús dijo: «Atan cargas pesadas y difíciles de llevar, y las ponen sobre los hombros de los demás; pero ellos mismos no están dispuestos a mover ni un dedo para desplazarlas». Mateo 23:4

En cambio, Jesús redujo las 613 leyes de los fariseos a dos.

«Amarás al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con toda tu alma y con toda tu mente». Este es el mandamiento más grande y el primero. Y el segundo es semejante a este: «Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo». De estos dos mandamientos dependen toda la Ley y los Profetas». Mateo 22:37-40

Y para responder a aquellos que lo acusaban de abolir las leyes:

«No piensen que he venido a abolir la Ley o los Profetas; no he venido a abolir, sino a cumplir». Mateo 5:17

«Un día de reposo, Jesús pasaba por los campos de cereales y, mientras avanzaban, sus discípulos comenzaron a arrancar espigas. Los fariseos le dijeron: “Mira, ¿por qué hacen lo que no está permitido hacer en el día de reposo?”. [...] Entonces él les dijo: “El día de reposo fue hecho para el ser humano, y no el ser humano para el día de reposo; así que el Hijo del Hombre es Señor incluso del día de reposo”». Marcos 3:23-27

La afirmación de Jesús de ser el Señor del día de reposo dejaba claro que él venía a derrocar a los poderes establecidos e inaugurar su Reino.

Los saduceos

Los saduceos eran una secta aristocrática y sacerdotal que también controlaban las actividades del Templo en Jerusalén. También se apropiaban ilícitamente del dinero recaudado por la compra de animales para los sacrificios. Gozaban de influencia política ante los romanos.

Las autoridades políticas y religiosas mantenían su *statu quo* para permanecer en el poder.

La mera existencia de Jesús representaba una amenaza para ellos.

Fueron ellos quienes convirtieron a Jesús en una figura política, pues esa era la única manera en que lograban comprender sus enseñanzas, sus milagros y sus sanaciones. Y esa era la manera de que Jesús llamara la atención de Roma.

Cuando el ángel Gabriel se apareció a María y le anunció que daría a luz al Salvador del mundo, ella proclamó que su hijo pondría el mundo patas arriba en aras de la justicia y la rectitud.

«Mi alma glorifica al Señor, y mi espíritu se regocija en Dios, mi Salvador... Él ha dispersado a los soberbios en la presunción de sus corazones. Ha derribado a los poderosos de sus tronos y ha exaltado a los humildes; ha colmado de bienes a los hambrientos y ha despedido con las manos vacías a los ricos». Lucas 1:46-53

Jesús nació, creció y vivió bajo la opresión del Imperio romano y de reyes corruptos. Su vida estuvo siempre en peligro.

Por ejemplo, José y María se vieron obligados a viajar desde Nazaret hasta Belén para pagar impuestos exorbitantes, por orden del emperador Augusto.

El rey Herodes el Grande temía que este niño le arrebatara el trono. Al no encontrar a Jesús, Herodes ordenó la matanza de los inocentes.

La Sagrada Familia huyó a Egipto para salvar sus vidas, viviendo como refugiados políticos, indocumentados y empobrecidos, en medio de la incertidumbre.

El rey Herodes Antipas mandó decapitar a Juan el Bautista y entregó a Jesús al gobernador romano para que fuera condenado y crucificado.

Jesús emprendió una misión peligrosa

El objetivo del Reino de Dios era lograr que las personas «dieran un giro a sus vidas» (en griego: *metanoia*) y creyeran en la Buena Nueva. El Reinado de Dios era más poderoso que los reinos de este mundo. Por esa razón, Jesús representaba una amenaza tan grande para ellos. 

«Entró de nuevo en la sinagoga, y había allí un hombre que tenía una mano seca. Lo observaban para ver si lo curaba en sábado, con el fin de acusarlo. Y le dijo al hombre que tenía la mano seca: "Ponte de pie". Luego les dijo: "¿Es lícito hacer el bien o hacer el mal en sábado? ¿Salvar una vida o matar?". Los fariseos salieron e inmediatamente conspiraron con los herodianos contra él, buscando la manera de destruirlo». Marcos 3:1-4, 6

Jesús es puesto a prueba en su lealtad al imperio

Algunos fariseos y herodianos intentaron tenderle una trampa para que cometiera traición contra el imperio.

«¿Es lícito pagar impuestos al César o no? ¿Debemos pagarlos o no?». Pero, conociendo su hipocresía, les dijo: «¿Por qué me ponéis a prueba? Traedme un denario y dejadme verlo». Y le trajeron uno. Entonces les dijo: «¿De quién es esta imagen y esta inscripción?». Respondieron: «Del César». Jesús les dijo: «Dad al César lo que es del César y a Dios lo que es de Dios». Y quedaron totalmente asombrados de él.».Marcos 12:14-17

Jesús afirmó, en efecto, que todas las monedas del imperio y el imperio mismo incluida pertenecían al César. Lo que no dijo, implicado, fue que Dios es el dueño de todos los imperios, incluido el del César. Los presentes que conocían los salmos recordaron el Salmo 24:1: «Del Señor es la tierra y todo lo que hay en ella».

De camino a Jerusalén, les dijo a sus discípulos:

«que el Hijo del Hombre debía padecer grandes sufrimientos, ser rechazado por los ancianos, los sumos sacerdotes y los escribas, ser ejecutado y, después de tres días, resucitar. Dijo todo esto con total franqueza. Entonces Pedro lo tomó aparte y comenzó a reprenderlo. Pero Jesús, volviéndose y mirando a sus discípulos, reprendió a Pedro y le dijo: "¡Ponte detrás de mí, Satanás! Porque no tienes la mente puesta en las cosas divinas, sino en las humanas"». Marcos 8:31-33

Sin embargo, los discípulos no lo comprendieron del todo hasta que Jesús resucitó. Pedro le suplicó que no fuera. Con indignación, Jesús reprende a Pedro por interponerse en su camino —tal como lo haría Satanás—, impidiéndole completar su misión en la tierra.

Jesús firma su propia sentencia de muerte

«Luego llegaron a Jerusalén. Y él entró en el Templo y comenzó a expulsar a los que vendían y a los que compraban en el Templo; volcó las mesas de los cambistas y los puestos de los que vendían palomas... «¿Acaso no está escrito: "Mi casa será llamada casa de oración para todas las naciones"?» Pero ustedes lo han convertido en una guarida de ladrones. «Y cuando los sumos sacerdotes y los escribas... buscaban la manera de matarlo, pues le tenían miedo, porque toda la multitud estaba maravillada con su enseñanza». Marcos 11:15-18

Jesús es capturado, juzgado y condenado a muerte

«Así que Pilato, queriendo complacer a la multitud, les puso en libertad a Barrabás; y, después de haber flagelado a Jesús, lo entregó para que fuera crucificado». Marcos 15:15

Él resucitó 

La mayor motivación para que los primeros cristianos arriesgaran sus vidas, siguieran a Jesús y enfrentaran la muerte fue la resurrección de Cristo. Su resurrección está al alcance de todos. Sin embargo, el discipulado cristiano tiene su precio. 

«Si alguno quiere venir en pos de mí, niéguese a sí mismo, tome su cruz y sígame». Marcos 8:34 

Dos jóvenes sabían lo que estaba en juego cuando decidieron seguir a Jesús. Eran cristianos del Sermón del Monte», que vivían conforme a dicho sermón. Pagaron el precio supremo por desafiar a los poderes. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, teólogo y pastor alemán, perdió la vida por conspirar para asesinar a Hitler. Él dijo: «Cuando Cristo llama a un hombre, le invita a morir». 

 Martin Luther King predicó la noche antes de ser asesinado: «Como cualquier persona, me gustaría vivir una vida larga. La longevidad tiene su lugar. Pero eso no me preocupa ahora. Solo quiero hacer la voluntad de Dios». 

Existen muchas formas en las que podemos morir como mártires (testigos) junto a Jesús sin pagar el precio supremo. Podemos morir al pecado personal. Podemos enfrentar con la verdad a los poderes. Podemos realizar obras de justicia junto a aquellos que se encuentran en los márgenes de la sociedad. 

¡Desafíen a los reinos de este mundo! ¡Agiten las aguas! ¡Enturbien la calma! ¡Causen «buenos confrontamientos»! como dijo Juan Lewis líder del movimiento de derechos civiles en los Estados Unidos, ¡Enfádense! ¡Digan la verdad hacia el poder! ¡Sean audaces! ¡Pasen de las palabras a los hechos! ¡Pónganse de pie, no se queden sentados! ¡Marchen! ¡Asuman riesgos! ¡Vivan el Sermón del Monte, en vez de limitarse a rendirle homenaje de labios! 

¡Únanse a Jesús y transformen el mundo!