Epiphany 6

May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O Lord, my refuge and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

SEASON: Epiphany 6
PROPER: B
PLACE: St. John's Parish, Kingsville
DATE: February 13, 2000


TEXT: Mark 1:40-45 - “A Leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!”

See also 2 Kings 5:1-15ab- Elisha heals Naaman of his leprosy.

ISSUE: Jesus heals and restores the man excluded through the purity rules of his time. His leprosy (skin disorder) keeps him in the position of not being holy, as Israel is called to be holy. Yet Christ Jesus touches him at great risk to himself, not so much in terms of catching the disease, but as becoming himself unclean. In the world today we too need to be more concerned over asking God to direct us in our ministries to touch those who have become the untouchables, and the outcasts. We also need to come to Christ Jesus with the issues of our own lives as to in what way have we become physically, emotionally, spiritual outcasts. We need also dare to ask for restoration. Mark’s gospel account provides the hope, that God in Christ can will restore.
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