The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany is Mark 1:29-39.
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| Simon's mother-in-law at St. Mary the Virgin Church in Fen Ditton, UK |
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31 He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37 When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." 38 He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." 39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
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In the ancient world (not so differently from today), sickness prevented people from doing the things they were called to do in the community--from living out their vocations. Whether they were called to work or engage in acts of hospitality, being sick kept them from action. So when Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law and the others who were sick, he allowed them to be restored to their roles in the community. He restored their sense of community, wellness, and wholeness. By doing this, he further proclaims the coming kingdom of God--that is the community of God where people live full and participatory lives in fellowship with one another.
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How do you live out a call to live in community?
In what ways do you need to be restored?
What good news do you see in this text?
What questions does it leave you with?
Feel free to comment below! The really neat thing about Scripture is that there aren't necessarily "right" and "wrong" answers. The Spirit moves us in different ways and we see different things emerge from the texts. These questions are jumping off points. We hope that conversation can grow from here and we can all grow in faith together through these conversations!
Restoration comes through a number of different things, but I find that music and prayer work well for me. Like Jesus did in this story, it is important for me to take time for myself, to get away from the crowds and the noise and try to tune into God and the Spirit.
ReplyDeleteThere's lots of good news! Healing and preaching! Praying and seeking! Moving and following!
I always wonder about the stories about demons being cast out and the devil being put in his place. How do we experience evil in our lives? How do we identify and handle evil in our lives? It seems to me that the realm of evil is just as present and just as mysterious as the realm of good...But it is also very clear that it is not nearly as powerful as the goodness of our God!
To live in community, we can participate in events such as LUNCH BUNCH. We learn things at the programs there, connect with other people and get to know church members in a more meaningful way. Just by smiling at someone or saying "hi" to someone you do not recognize in church brings them in community by making them feel welcomed and comfortable. We do not know what is happening in everyone's life and perhaps that little bit of time we take will boost someone else up.
ReplyDeleteI think our bodies get tired and we are restored and energized in different ways. To me piano music is always soothing. Reading devotions sets a tone in the morning. Being with other people also renews us so we look outward from ourselves.
The good news is the promise of the kingdon of God -a place where there would be no war, no attrocities against your fellow man, no homelessness and hunger and God's eternal light in a great brightness I would imagine. Serenity and peace....a blissful and loving state. Kathy