Leaving Can Be Good For You & Them [Summer Series]

Queer Theology

For our very first Summer Series Favorites episode, Fr. Shay chose one from 2018 where Jesus tells his followers to leave and shake the dust of their sandals if they encounter towns unwilling to listen to their message. This passage from Mark 6:1-13 is one that we’ve talked about a few times in podcast episodes and articles over the years. But there’s still new insight to be found which is why we’re talking about it again!

In this episode, we explore the impulse folks have to stay in churches, communities, and families that don’t affirm and won’t listen to them… where that comes from, can we be helpful if we stay, what happens if we leave, who benefits?

Referenced in this episode:

• Episode looking at Mark 1 where John the Baptist also says to “change your heart and life”
• “Shake It Off, Shake It Off” — our first time looking at this passage

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What’s your favorite episode? We’re doing a summer series featuring some of the most popular episodes and we want to hear from you! Email us at [e-mail] and let us know which ep is your fave.

Mark 6:1-13

Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.

Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own households.” He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. He was appalled by their disbelief.

Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.

He called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bags, and no money in their belts. He told them to wear sandals but not to put on two shirts. He said, “Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. If a place doesn’t welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should change their hearts and lives. They cast out many demons, and they anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them.

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Photo by Egor Vikhrev

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