I dare you to feel - January 13
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14; Isa. 41:1-16; Eph. 2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45
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!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. (Mark 1:40-42)
One early morning recently, our five-year-old woke with a stomachache. He was writhing in pain and inconsolable. It was unsettling for Sam and for me, as there was not much in that moment we could do to comfort or distract him, as the abdominal cramping took over his little body. Soaking in a warm tub brought some relief. And, then the vomiting started. He had a stomach virus, as school-aged kids often catch. Thankfully, after a day or two of Gatorade, applesauce, and dry Rice Krispies, he was feeling much better and back to his normal antics.
As I sit with today’s scripture, I cannot get past how Jesus responds to the need of the man with leprosy in Mark 1. The begging man asks, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” The man recognizes the healing ability of Jesus, who has been on a traveling salvation show, casting out demons and proclaiming the message of Good News. The man has heard of others’ lives restored and hopes that he, too, can be renewed and healed. Jesus is moved with pity by the man and his plea. The word in Greek used to describe Jesus’ reaction is splanchnistheis (how’s that for a mouthful!) – and it means moved with compassion, from your gut. That writhing pull in your stomach that is hard to ignore. Maybe Jesus does not feel the same agony as someone with a stomach bug, but the word here is visceral and intense. It is worth noting that in his display of compassion and concern for the leper, Jesus stops his movement and remains present for a moment. He reaches out his hand, extending his fingers, and he touches the man seeking help. Then he speaks, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Through the divine power that Jesus wields, the man is immediately cleansed and healed.
I wonder who along each of our paths might need compassion today. Who in your life already has your guts in a tangle of concern, anger, and love? Or maybe, because it hurts so much, we move on past those spaces in our own hearts, or in those of others’ lives, that are broken beyond repair. We ignore them or block them out, in denial that their messes affect us. Or, the pain is so big and frightening that we cannot begin to look at the reality around us, because yes, the realities in our world are hard and heavy.
So, what are we to do? Our job today is to continue as good stewards, striving to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, one step at a time, and one day at a time. Through prayer and study, we get to summon the courage to connect and empathize with someone else, listening to their story, seeking to understand what it is that they really want. What is hurting? What relief is available? We can pray for one another. We can reach out in a myriad of ways. And we can dare to feel deep compassion in this broken and hurting world – and in doing so, Jesus stretches out his hand to bring assurance and healing.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What friend or family member comes to mind as someone who is easy to connect with? Who is more of a challenge?
When seeking support, do you prefer someone to extend words of care (like a card), actions (like a meal), or touch (like a hug)?
Daily Challenge
Think of someone who is challenging to connect with. Pray for that person. Allow yourself to be moved to compassion for that person…and if that is hard, keep that person in prayer this week.