The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder the connection we have experienced between healing and recognition of the Spirit in a Healer.
The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews proclaims Jesus Help for the tested.
By sharing human nature, including the ban of death, Jesus broke the power of the devil over death (Heb 2:4); the author shares the view of Hellenistic Judaism that death was not intended by God and that it had been introduced into the world by the devil. The fear of death (Heb 2:15) is a religious fear based on the false conception that death marks the end of a person’s relations with God (cf. Ps 115:17–18; Is 38:18). Jesus deliberately allied himself with the descendants of Abraham (Heb 2:16) in order to be a merciful and faithful high priest. This is the first appearance of the central theme of Hebrews, Jesus the great high priest expiating the sins of the people (Heb 2:17), as one who experienced the same tests as they (Heb 2:18). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)
Psalm 105 praises God’s Faithfulness to Israel.
* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Ps 105:7–11). In every phase of the national story—the ancestors in the land of Canaan (Ps 105:12–15), Joseph in Egypt (Ps 105:16–22), Israel in Egypt (Ps 105:23–38), Israel in the desert on the way to Canaan (Ps 105:39–45)—God remained faithful, reiterating the promise of the land to successive servants. (Psalms, PSALM 105, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals many at Simon’s House and begins a preaching tour in Galilee.
* [1:21–45] The account of a single day’s ministry of Jesus on a sabbath in and outside the synagogue of Capernaum (Mk 1:21–31) combines teaching and miracles of exorcism and healing. Mention is not made of the content of the teaching but of the effect of astonishment and alarm on the people. Jesus’ teaching with authority, making an absolute claim on the hearer, was in the best tradition of the ancient prophets, not of the scribes. The narrative continues with events that evening (Mk 1:32–34; see notes on Mt 8:14–17) and the next day (Mk 1:35–39). The cleansing in Mk 1:40–45 stands as an isolated story. (Mark, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)
Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that Jesus' ministry, from the beginning is a healing ministry, one of freeing from whatever stands in the way of grace.
It's a great day to let Jesus visit our house. No matter what "resistance" we might have, he is ready to touch and heal. However we are not free to love selflessly, he is here for us to unbind us, heal past wounds, and let us experience his unconditional love.
The Letter to the Hebrews was written to a discouraged community that had been through a lot. We will hear them being reassured that Jesus understands. Today's passage is so consoling. He is able to help us who are "being tested," because "he himself was tested through what he suffered."
In whatever way we are being tested today, let us turn to the one who understands and is here for us, to relieve our struggle and offer us his liberating love. And, the more we let him love us and heal us, the more we will be able to stand up in service for and with others. It's what we long for. It is what he longs for. When our longing matches the longing Jesus has for us, then grace happens and love is set free. (Alexander, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “The habit of prayer,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).
"Jesus prayed and did not pray in vain, since he received what he asked for in prayer when he might have done so without prayer. If so, who among us would neglect to pray? Mark says that 'in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed' (Mark 1:35). And Luke says, 'He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray,"' (Luke 11:1) and elsewhere, 'And all night he continued in prayer to God' (Luke 6:12). And John records his prayer, saying, 'When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you"' (John 17:1). The same Evangelist writes that the Lord said that he knew 'you hear me always' (John 11:42). All this shows that the one who prays always is always heard." (excerpt from ON PRAYER 13.1) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 1:29-39 comments that some people are seeking physical healing. Some are looking for purpose in life or guidance in specific decisions. Some are starving for love or forgiveness or encouragement. Still others might not even realize that Jesus is the deepest answer to their restless hearts. How will all these people find Jesus? Through us who believe! But how can we accomplish such an important task?
So let’s steal away to spend time with our heavenly Father, like Jesus did. Even when we’re tired or feeling hard-pressed, let’s make the time to listen to what’s on God’s heart so that we can respond with love to the needs all around us.
“Lord, help me to make time to listen to how you are inviting me to help people find you today.” (Meditation on Mark 1:29-39, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the example for us of the testing of Jesus through what He suffered in the Letter to the Hebrews. The sequence of healing followed by service and accompanied by prayer is in accord with the Will of God. Friar Jude recalls that the visit of the Magi in Matthew’s Gospel shows extension of Christ to the Gentiles.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces contemplative teacher Mirabai Starr who writes that prophets often protest their Divine call before saying “Here I am” to God. Catholic theologian Elizabeth Johnson describes Mary’s prophetic calling.
Miriam of Nazareth [is placed] in the company of all ancestors in the faith who heard the word of God and responded with courageous love. Now like Abraham, she sets out in faith, not knowing where she is going. Now like Sarah, she receives power to conceive by this faith, considering the One who promised to be worthy of her trust. Listening to the Spirit, rising to the immense possibilities of her call, she walks by faith in the integrity of her own person. Inspired by Spirit-Sophia, women who make their own decisions before God claim her into their circle. [3] (Rohr, 2023)
Mirabai Starr reflects on Mary’s response:
Look at Mother Mary. A working-class Jewish teenager. Unmarried. She receives an uninvited visit from a vast winged being, who fills her room with his radiance and hands Mary her sacred instructions. “You will be a vessel for the incarnation of the divine here on earth,” he declares. “And it’s going to hurt like hell to be his mother.” Mary trembles, but she stays present. And then she says yes. “Hineni. Here I am. Thy will be done.” [4] (Rohr, 2023)
We contemplate the healing of our spirit through the action of others and praise the Holy Spirit, who motivates service as a response to healing.
References
Alexander, A. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/011123.html
Hebrews, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/2?14
Mark, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/1?29
Meditation on Mark 1:29-39. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/01/11/581911/
Psalms, PSALM 105. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/105?1
Rohr, R. (2023, January 6). A Moment of Surrender. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-moment-of-surrender-2023-01-11/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Healed Many Who Were Sick. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jan11
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