Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed"

 

 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her.  And she served them. 

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city was gathered together at the door.  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. 

Now in the morning, having arisen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.  And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.  When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."  But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."  And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.  

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."  As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.  And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."  However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.

 

- Mark 1:29–45 

 

Yesterday we read that, after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the gospel."  And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."  They immediately left their nets and followed Him.  When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.  And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.  Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.  And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.  Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit.  And he cried out, saying, "Let us alone!  What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?  Did You come to destroy us?  I know who You are -- the Holy One of God!"  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"  And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.  Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this?  What new doctrine is this?  For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."  And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

 

  Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her.  And she served them.   Here, Jesus heals by touch, taking Peter's mother-in-law by the hand and lifting her up.  Notice once again the use of the word immediately in Mark's Gospel, how her fever immediately left her.  Jesus restores her to her place of honor in the household, as who serves Christ and His ministry.

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city was gathered together at the door.  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.  My study Bible notes that Mark tells us that Jesus did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.  This is yet a second emphasis in Mark's Gospel of this need for His messianic identity to be kept a secret (the first was in yesterday's reading, when Christ cast out an unclean spirit who identified Him as "the Holy One of Israel").  

Now in the morning, having arisen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.  And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.  When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."  But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."  And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.  My study Bible comments on this passage that here Jesus sets forth for us an example of spiritual life.  It says that although He is God Incarnate, Jesus prayed continually, frequently finding a solitary place so that He is free from distraction, despite the multitude's need of Him.  Christ's ministry comes forth from that communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and it flows to people in their needs.  His praying in the morning, it says, teaches us that we must put as first priority our commitment to God, and only then will we be equipped to serve others.

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."  As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.  And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."  However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.  My study Bible tells us that the biblical law concerning leprosy is found in Leviticus 13 and 14.  In Deuteronomy 24:8 we find the description of the purification of lepers and of leprous houses, a duty which was entrusted to the priests.  For this reason, Jesus tells the healed man, "Show yourself to the priest," as this was necessary according to the Mosaic Law for re-entering into the community.    Leprosy was considered to be a direct punishment for sins, and as lepers were therefore unclean, they were not permitted to live in the community or to worship in synagogues or the temple, my study Bible says.  To touch the unclean was forbidden (Leviticus 7:21), but here Jesus touched the leper nonetheless, and showed His compassion.  Moreover it shows also that He is not subject to the Law but over it.  My study Bible comments that to the clean, nothing is unclean.  

In his Epistle to the Romans, St. Paul writes an extensive discussion concerning practices within the Church.  It's important to remember, in that context, that the early Church was made up of people who were Jews and also of people who were non-Jews, and all were living in a society that was nominally pagan in its codes and practices.  The discussion of eating meat found therein is important because virtually all meat available in the wider marketplace was from animals that had been sacrificed to idols, so therefore for Christians this presented a significant problem, as food sacrificed to idols was to be avoided (Acts 15:28-29).  In Romans chapter 14, St. Paul writes, "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean."  In the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul has an extensive discussion based on what is good for the whole of the community, the importance of not scandalizing others in the faith, and preventing sin. All of this is based on and around what is called the Law of Love.  While his topic is ostensibly about food, this teaching clearly applies to other things as well, and here is where the comment in my study Bible, "to the clean, nothing is unclean," is used to frame Christ's touching of the leper to heal him.  Let us note that this saying is not used to justify or to permit just anything, but rather to teach us what it is to first begin -- as Jesus does in today's reading -- within our relationship to God, which is the basis for all else that we do in the world.  To be "clean" in this context is all about this inner reconciliation to God, as illustrated in today's reading by Jesus starting His day a long while before daylight, and finding a solitary place, in order to pray.  If we look carefully at the Torah and its system of sacrifices as established for the temple, we will understand that the entire root and aim of the practices was setting the community in right relationship with God, as community and as individuals.  (A very good book on that subject is Welcoming Gifts: Sacrifice in the Bible and Christian Life, by Fr. Jeremy Davis.)   As Jesus practices a day begun very early in prayer, He shows us how His ministry must flow from there.   It is our orientation to God that focuses us on what we do with our lives; and, as God is love (1 John 4:8), it is to God we turn to learn what it is to live love, to "do" love, so to speak, how to live in community in a proper and righteous and truly loving way.  It is in this right relationship to God that we find what is "clean," and that our sight is cleansed so that we view the world and our place in it properly.  This, of course, is an ongoing process, and full of change, as life is full of changes, and we are asked basically to grow as learners and disciples of Christ.  We are meant to learn to see by His light.  Psalm 36:9 reads, "For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light."  Jesus Himself, through His life, death, and Resurrection, and of course His own voluntary sacrifice on the Cross, and therefore in the Eucharist, becomes that reconciliation for us, and so He teaches, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12).  What we find with Christ is an ongoing relationship of love, and teaching, and learning, and growth toward God, deepening who we are and cleansing what we need to cleanse, making right our relationship with God so that we find how we need to walk in accordance with His light.  Christ's compassion teaches and instructs us, but without His guidance, we lose our way in abstractions and demands and self-flattering hypocrisies.  For we are those who, without that light, find all kinds of idols to worship, even things which seemingly are good but nonetheless lead to harm.  Let us have the humility to be cleansed by Christ, in order to find our way to see as He asks us to see.

 

 

 

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed

 

 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her.  And she served them. 

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city was gathered together at the door.  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.  

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.  And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.  When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."  But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I  have come forth."  And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons. 

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."  As soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.  And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."  However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.

 

- Mark 1:29–45 

 

Yesterday we read that, after John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the gospel."  And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."  They immediately left their nets and followed Him.  When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.  And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.  Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.  And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.  Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit.  And he cried out, saying, "Let us alone!  What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?  Did You come to destroy us?  I know who You are -- the Holy One of God!"  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"  And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.  Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this?  What new doctrine is this?  For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."  And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

 

  Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her.  And she served them.  This passage reveals to us the family life of Saints Peter and Andrew, and shows that Peter was married.  It follows upon the command of rebuke to the unclean spirit (see yesterday's reading, above), and reminds us that St. Luke tells us He rebuked her fever (Luke 4:39).  Simon's mother-in-law is then restored to her place of importance in the house, as she also may serve the Lord His ministry.  It's important that we understand the word served here means to "minister" in Greek; in fact, it is literally the word from which we derive "deacon" (διακονέω/diakoneo).  

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city was gathered together at the door.  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.  Here is yet more demonstration of Christ's use of His authority.  His healing power is linked to His authority over the demons and His capacity to disallow them to speak.  Christ is the One who may reveal what is hidden, and choose to hide what must not yet be revealed before its proper time of preparation.

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.  And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.  When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."  But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I  have come forth."  And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.  My study Bible comments that St. Mark's is the only Gospel that gives us a full 24-hour day in the life of Jesus.  It is a day built around prayer and ministry; Christ is the model for both, and He does not separate them.  His priority is prayer to His Father; in other words, there is prayer before service.  Although Jesus is God incarnate, He prayed continually, and frequently found a solitary place to be free from distraction, despite the multitude's need of Him.  My study Bible adds that Christ's ministry comes forth from His communion with the Father and the holy Spirit, and flows to people in their needs.  It says that His praying in the morning shows us that we need to put first priority on commitment to God, for only then we will be equipped to serve others.

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."  As soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.  And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."  However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.  My study Bible says that Christ's dialogue with the leper reveals that Jesus heals from compassion; it is not from a sense of duty or a need to prove Himself, or to gather a following. Once again we observe elements of Christ's authority, which my study Bible calls comprehensive:  we see it in teaching, over demons, and over sickness.  Altogether, a powerful testimony to His divinity.  And yet, this divine identity as Messiah must remain for now a secret.  But in some sense, this is a secret that cannot be kept hidden.

We may look at the final story in today's reading, the healing of the leper, and consider Jesus' repeated effort to keep His identity hidden.  But Christ's public ministry coming into the world is akin to the coming of spring.  The good news bursts open like flowers blooming from bulbs hidden underground until this moment.  It's not the only time we read that Christ tried to keep hidden, and could not do so.  In fact, in chapter 7, we will read that Jesus will journey to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon, seeking to escape the multitudes who pursue Him:  "From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden" (Mark 7:24).  It's as if the good news of Christ's gospel is so full with its own energy that it must burst forth and cannot be limited.  Clearly Christ begins His public ministry with an understanding that He will need to reveal His identity as Messiah in a way that will not be confused with the popular expectations and demands for what is desired in such a figure.  He neither desires to be made a king, or to lead a political movement, or simply to give a new philosophy to the world.  Instead, the way in which Christ is revealing Himself shows us -- as my study Bible has pointed out so far in this Gospel -- just what His authority and power is all about.  Moreover, Jesus is ultimately obedient to the Father's will in all of this unfolding and public ministry that begins with healing, preaching, the casting out of demons, and calling of disciples.  Let us consider Christ's authority and power, and how it is rooted in love, for this is where our own highest loyalty must be, and what compels us forward toward Him.   St. Paul speaks of the glory shining in Moses' face, and covered by a veil -- a veil that is lifted by Christ for all to see.  He writes, "Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:16-18).  This is the power and authority to which we are drawn, and through which we are compelled only by love to draw closer.   Let us follow Christ's example, and start with prayer, for it is there where we begin seek the true image of glory.

 

 

Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed"

 

 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her.  And she served them.  

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city was gathered together at the door.  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.  

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.  And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.  When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."  But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."  And He was preaching in the their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.  

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."  As soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.  And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."  However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.

 

- Mark 1:29–45 

 

On Saturday we read that after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the gospel." And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."  They immediately left their nets and followed Him.  When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.  And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.  Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.  And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.  Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit.  And he cried out, saying, "Let us alone!  What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?  Did You come to destroy us?  I know who You are -- the Holy One of God!"  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"  And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.  Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this?  What new doctrine is this?  For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."  And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.   

 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her.  And she served them.   Throughout the Gospels, we're given the sense that what Christ touches, He makes whole.  This is the saving nature of grace, and of the divine nature of Christ in His identity as Son.   Even the dreaded cross of crucifixion becomes an instrument of salvation through the touch of Jesus Christ upon it.  Here, Peter's mother-in-law is restored to her place in the household, as she is lifted up by Christ.  To serve Christ and His ministry is a place of honor.

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city was gathered together at the door.  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.  Once again, the demons make their presence know through their response to the presence of Christ and His saving work in the world.  And yet again, we see as in our previous reading (see above), Jesus did not allow the demons to speak, so they cannot reveal His divine identity before the time to do so.  

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.  And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.  When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."  But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."  And He was preaching in the their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.  My study Bible comments here that Jesus sets forth for us an example of spiritual life.  Even though He is God incarnate, He prayed continually, often finding a solitary place to be free from distraction -- despite the need of the multitude for Him.  The Lord's ministry, my study Bible explains, comes forth from His communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit and it flows to people in their needs.  His praying in the morning teaches us that we must put as first priority our commitment to God, and only then will we be equipped to serve others. 

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."  As soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.  And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."  However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.  We find the biblical law concerning leprosy in Leviticus 13-14.  In Deuteronomy 24:8 we read the description of the purification of lepers and leprous houses, which was a duty entrusted to the priests.  My study Bible explains that leprosy was considered a direct punishment for sins, and as lepers were unclean, they were not permitted to live in the community or to worship in synagogues or the temple.  To touch the unclean was forbidden (Leviticus 7:21), but Jesus  touched the leper, and so shows His compassion -- and also that He is not subject to the Law but over it.  To the clean, my study Bible says, nothing is unclean (see also Romans 14:14).  

 

 In the cleansing of the leper, we note that Jesus sent the healed man to the priests, in accordance with the law of Moses.  This is important to note because Jesus -- although Messiah and Son of God -- makes a complete healing through His miraculous power, but also remains devout within the context of the society in which He lives.  By doing so, He upholds the priesthood (according to the commentary of St. Ephrem the Syrian).  He also commands the leper to make the offering which the law taught to make in such cases.  It's significant for us to observe that, as long as the temple in Jerusalem remains standing. and although Jesus and eventually the early Church  will struggle with the leadership of the temple, the institutions themselves are not under attack by Christ in any way.  He takes issue with the ways that they are being administered, even with the ways in which the law is applied or interpreted, but He remains observant of the laws and customs of Israel as established through what was understood to be given by God.  In this context of the healing of the leper, we might take pains to observe that leprosy, like other forms of uncleanness, was considered to be a type of contaminant, and similar to sin itself.  It may seem to us pragmatic that lepers were kept separate and outside of community, considering the real possibility of physical contagion.  But this is not the full understanding of the separation, because it doesn't take into account the association with sin.  Sin itself was treated and considered a kind of contaminant, and so the overlap between the leprosy and sin is part of this understanding.  But Christ comes into the world to bring us closer to God through the gift of the Spirit, to help us with discernment, and particularly with salvation and the remission of sin.  So, in that context, we may view His touch, and the coming of a new covenant.  Where once the law was written down for all to follow, God's new covenant was prophesied by Jeremiah:  "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (Jeremiah 31:33).  Jesus' compassion thereby defines and provides the foundation for our understanding of the new covenant, and for our understanding of God and God's grace.  Through His touch, Jesus redefines sin as illness (as opposed to illness as sin), meaning that healing is necessary for both.  When our souls are sick, we seek redemption, and His church is meant to function as a kind of hospital.  We could say that as human beings, we need therapeutic care for all kinds of reasons.  But therapy and healing are also meant to teach us that we're not simply "perfect" the way we are, and we shouldn't settle upon our own sense of righteousness without understanding that our yardstick for this measurement is eternal.  That is, Christ comes into the world to lead us into an eternal life, a life that is meant not simply to extend some sort of "good enough" static sense of being into eternity. Rather, it's meant for those who understand that the true goal is to be like the One who created us in likeness and image.  That is an infinite journey, one far beyond this world.  Our notions of "sinlessness" are inadequate to define what that looks like -- but Christ's act of compassion takes us into that future.  To be sinless in that context was to follow the law to the letter, but it could not include the compassion of Christ's touch, for that was forbidden.  So let us understand His gesture and its leading us into the new covenant, and the place where we are meant not simply to be sinless, but to grow in the image and likeness of God, to become more "God-like" in that sense of bearing resemblance.  This is a likeness we cannot achieve through perfection of following rules, but we need some more help to do this.  It is the life of the Holy Spirit that leads beyond what we already know.  When we lose sight of this and settle for worldly rules alone, we are no longer awakened to the reality of God's presence with us, but we walk in darkness, no matter how well-meant.  For in a culture formed by those who believe that making new rules will create a positive world, it becomes quickly clear that compassion remains sorely lacking.  As the Gospel unfolds, we will view the religious establishment's response to Christ's compassion -- they will piously claim He's breaking the rules.  In Christ's own characterization of their behavior, they take refuge in hypocrisy.  Of course, there are exceptions among the leaders, but even they must eventually separate themselves from the others.  If we but look around, we might see the same thing happening today in brand new forms.  

If You are willing, You can make me clean

 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her.  And she served them.

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city was gathered together at the door.  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.  And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.  When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."  But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."  And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."  As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.  And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."  However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.

- Mark 1:29-45

Yesterday we read that after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the gospel."  And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."  They immediately left their nets and followed Him.  When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.  And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.  Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.  And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.  Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit.  And he cried out, saying, "Let us alone!  What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?  Did You come to destroy us?  I know who You are -- the Holy One of God!"  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"  And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.  Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this?  What new doctrine is this?  For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."  And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her.  And she served them.  In Luke's Gospel, we're told that Jesus "rebuked the fever" of Peter's mother-in-law (Luke 4:39).  In both this text and Luke's, the effect happens immediately.  In this it resembles the exorcism that has jut taken place in the synagogue, in both the immediate effect and in the rebuke reported by Luke the Physician.  In either case, Christ is the One who has come to relieve us of oppression and suffering.

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city was gathered together at the door.  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.   Again, we are told of the link between oppressive suffering and the demonic.  We should note that although medical science was not what it is today, in the ancient world in which the Gospels are set, all diseases were not attributed to direct demonic causes.  However, pain and suffering are seen in general as effects of a world given to sin, and under the influence of that which is opposed to God.  As Son of God, Christ brings into the world the living love of God.  My study bible notes here that He does not allow the demons to speak and to publicly identify Him as such.  This is foretold by Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1-4).  It lists a number of reasons for secrecy, including the growing hostility of the Jewish leadership; the people's misunderstanding of the Messiah as an earthly, political leader; and our Lord's desire to evoke a genuine faith which is not based solely on marvelous signs.  Jesus' forbidding the demons to speak also teaches us once more about the power of humility; all things are in the hands of God to unfold and reveal in the proper time (Mark 1:15).

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.  And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.  When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."  But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."  And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.  My study bible remarks that Jesus sets forth for us an example of spiritual life.  He is God incarnate, and yet He prayed constantly.  We're frequently told that He finds a solitary place so that He is freed from distraction, despite the growing crowds of people who need Him.  My study bible comments that Our Lord's ministry comes forth from His communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and from there flows to people in their needs.  This is an example for us all regarding how we are to live our lives.  Jesus' praying in the morning teaches us to put into place as our first priority in life our commitment to God, and this in turn equips us to serve others (see Mark 12:28-31).

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."  Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."  As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.  And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."  However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.  We find the biblical law concerning leprosy in Leviticus 13; 14.  Deuteronomy 24:8 denotes the purification of lepers and leprous houses, a duty that was entrusted to the priests.   Leprosy among the ancient Jews was considered a direct punishment for sins.  As lepers were unclean they were not permitted to live in the community or to worship in the synagogues or the temple; their re-admittance to the community was strictly regulated, and so Jesus tells the healed leper to "show yourself to the priest" and act in accordance with the Mosaic Law.  Touching the unclean was forbidden (Leviticus 7:21), but Jesus touched him.  My study bible says that by this Jesus shows His compassion, and also that He is not subject to the Law but over it.  It notes, "To the clean, nothing is unclean."

The commentary in my study bible states, "To the clean, nothing is unclean."  We find this also somewhat inversely noted in Romans 14:14 by St. Paul, who writes, "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean."  To the most holy One ever living in our world, nothing is unclean of itself.  The essential and important orientation here is that nothing that is created by God is unclean or evil in and of itself.  We may be burdened with oppressive cares, diseases and illnesses, struggles with all kinds of forces and difficulties, but none of these things make a person evil or unclean in themselves, as a creation of God.  This orientation is fully upheld in the Gospel, and particularly in the passages of today's reading, in which Jesus comes into the world as Healer and Deliverer.  Part of His role as Redeemer is to liberate us from these oppressive things which are considered unclean, teaching by His touch, as St. Paul writes, that nothing is unclean of itself.  In this context we note the link between "the evil one" (as the words in the Lord's prayer literally mean in the Greek; see Matthew 6:13) and those things which afflict mankind with suffering and oppression.  This "spiritual battle" in which Jesus comes as Liberator has to do with that which causes harm and destruction to human beings, and whose effects are deadly.  When we are in thrall to a false ideal we also suffer oppression and destructive effects.  When we labor under lies we do the same.  A disease such as anorexia afflicts individuals with a focus like a harsh taskmaster, as a fixed way of thinking that insists it is for the victim's good, but is ultimately destructive and even deadly.  According to statistics, anorexia is the most lethal of all psychiatric disorders (see this article).  In its harsh rules and regulations, an individual is "unclean" for having eaten.  It is an example of living under a lie, and the "evil one" has also been called by Christ the father of lies (John 8:44).  Christian fasting is not a practice in which foods are good and bad, but rather one in which we are encouraged to rely more deeply on a loving God, learning that we are fully capable of making free choices and that we are not simply slaves to desire -- the opposite of the oppression of an eating disorder.  By tradition with such practices, over-severity is recognized as the product of false piety, a form of pride or self-centeredness which is ultimately personally destructive.  In the Orthodox tradition, excessive or morbid guilt falls into the same category.  (As one dear friend, a priest I've known for years, puts it, "We have tools, not rules.")  Christ comes into the world in today's reading as Healer and Liberator, the One who is strong enough to fight what oppresses us and afflicts the world.  Illness and the demonic are bound up with the opposing and freeing force of God's love at work in the world.  And in this love is the message that nothing is unclean of itself, that all that is created by God is essentially good.  We are given to understand that we have choices.  We are offered a basic choice regarding that into which we will put our faith, and into whom we put our trust.  Here is the true spiritual message of Jesus beginning His day with prayer:  we first turn to our faith in and love for God, and from there we are taught right-relatedness to all of God's creation, including how we must think of ourselves as human beings.  Mark's Gospel has only just begun.  We are still in chapter 1, and yet it leads with this message of the "good news" of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  We are loved by the One who knows us as no other can know us, but we must find that love and return it in our own hearts to find His way for us, and the freedom we so desperately need for ourselves.