We continue the season of Epiphany (the word suggests new insight, which comes only when something old is torn open by something — or Someone – other than ourselves) and our readings in Mark 1. This chapter is packed full of stories, told in quick succession and with minimal detail. What do these stories reveal about Jesus – and about God?
Our readings tell of leprosy – a disease that permeates scripture. In our day, we see very few cases of Hansen’s Disease. In the Bible, leprosy referred to various symptoms of varying severity. In all cases, however, the health of the community required that the person suffering be quarantined. Sickness and infirmity were believed to be signs of God’s curse. Thus the person suffering this and other diseases also experienced the very real curse of separation from people and from the necessities of life – material and emotional.
In the Bible, health means wholeness. This includes physical and emotional health for the individual and the wholeness of being connected to family and community. Today we are grateful that medical knowledge provides so much healing and helps persons with chronic conditions remain in society.
We also ask if our society perpetuates the curse of unnecessary or unjust isolation. What is Jesus calling us to do, to bring about God’s will for wholeness?
Old Testament Reading – 2 Kings 5:1-14: Petty warfare marks so much of the story of the Hebrew people – a result of unfaithfulness to God’s promise and purpose. In the midst of this we encounter a mysterious character and a faith-filled young girl. The “mighty warrior” assumed his wealth was a necessary requirement for healing. We can contrast his presumption with the servant’s simple faith.
Psalm 30: The book of Psalms presents real people in real life situations. Here we pray along with someone who had been at the point of death. Sheol means the place of the departed. The pit could signify a grave, or the abyss of meaningless existence. To be sure, the prayer in sickness included the challenge to God: How can I praise you if I no longer exist! The outcome of this relationship with God – the wrestling and the trusting – is joy and praise.
Gospel – Mark 1:40-45: The people around Jesus knew the story of Elisha and his healing power. They also knew the promise, that there would come another great prophet who could heal. Was Jesus this prophet?! What happens when the Good News (Mark 1:1) of God’s Kingdom (verse 15) is proclaimed in the midst of daily life? The man does not presume upon Jesus. Perhaps in him we see that faith is both humility and boldness.
Sermon: What does Jesus choose?
Key Verse: O Lord, you…restored me to life. [Psalm 30:3]
