Monday February 6

The readings for Sunday February 12 are 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and Mark 1:40-45. The gospel reading is from the end of chapter 1, what we have been reading for the past several weeks. Once again the emphasis is upon what Jesus does and not the specific content of his teaching. The gospel writer's concern is to show Jesus in action. The opening line of Mark reads something like, 'The beginning of the good news (gospel, "euangellion") of Jesus Christ, Son of God. The reader, or hearer, knows from the beginning who Jesus is. The title Son of God likely has to do with his relationship with God the Father, a relationship of obedience. Likewise in the baptism, we read/hear of his relationship again when God the Father/Creator declares Jesus to be his Son.

The first ministry story is that of the casting out of the demons from the man in the synagogue. Mark makes a point of telling us that the demons know who Jesus is - the Holy One of God. This theme of the disciples and others not knowing the true identity of Jesus is common in Mark's gospel.

Then there is the healing of Peter's mother in law, and healings and exorcisms of many in the town, and finally in this week's reading, the healing of the man with leprosy. This time the healing is hands on. Jesus touches the man and he is healed. The intro to the account is interesting. The man says to Jesus, 'If you want to you can heal me.' This is perhaps an indication of the connection between faith and healing in the gospel.

The teaching in chapter 1 is this; "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news (gospel).' And then the acts of healing and exorcism which follow are signs of the kingdom. The kingdom of God in the gospels is not a place, but a way of life. You will notice that the parables of the kingdom are action oriented.

I am not sure where the preaching will lead me this week. The theme of healing ministry seems over worked in the past few weeks. And the Old Testament story is the healing of Naaman, which provides no change of theme. Tiem to read and ruminate!