January 16, 2025

Mark 1:40-45

This story of the leper who was made clean by Jesus’ touch is the same event described in Luke 5:12-16 (see January 10, 2025 in the lectionary). In Mark’s version, our attention is drawn by Jesus’ will to heal. He says “I do will it. Be made clean.”  And what motivated Jesus’ will?  He was moved with pity.  And this pity was instigated by the leper kneeling down and begging him to make him clean, with total confidence and faith: “If you wish, you can make me clean.” 

We may reflect on these elements of the story:  our prayers prayed with confidence and faith can move God.  God hears us and is moved with love and compassion.  God’s love expresses itself in his will.  His will is that we be healed.

In this story we also see that Jesus does not seek fame or crowds, as noted recently.  He keeps to deserted places and spends time in prayer, seeking the will of his Father.

Now is winter in the northern hemisphere.  It is a time for people to keep to their houses, to shelter and keep warm.  Some may have colds or flus or COVID.  Winter is a time to retreat and spend time with family members or in study.  This is not a time to be driving oneself to accomplish much or to be racing around.  It is an affliction of modern society that we think our productivity and schedules should remain the same yearround, regardless of the weather or season.  Better to listen to the earth and draw back in winter. 

We long to write more. It will come in due time.  Amen.