Mark 1:40-45

 

compassion or anger? - "Jesus was filled with . . ." The blank reflects two very different emotions. "It is very difficult to come to a firm decision concerning the original text" says Bruce Metzger. [1] Most manuscripts describe Jesus’ reaction as one of compassion; in other Gr. manuscripts anger moves Jesus. Matthew and Luke resolve the issue by omitting the sentence completely.

the reversal - It’s interesting to note a subtle reversal that Mark weaves into his story. At the story’s beginning, the outcast is kept on the outside by virtue of his malady-a skin disease that was believed contagious. That’s the crisis that that brings Jesus and the leper together. However, by story’s end a reversal occurs, for in the end, the leper-now healed-can return to and rejoin the community, while Jesus who began in community is now confined to the lonely places. Maybe the story functioned as a mosaic of God reconciling humanity.

tactile healing - Social isolation . . . are more evident in the case of the leper. Today, we react in a similar way to AIDS patients or even to persons with cancer. Many persons battling such illnesses report that their family and friends become timid about touching them. When they need most the human contact of a hug, a hand to hold, or a pat on the back, they find others drawing back . . . Jesus did not cut himself off from the leper. Instead, he healed the man by reaching out to touch him. [2]

 

When have you felt isolated or treated like an outcast?

What do outcasts have in common? What emotions and experiences might they share?

What have you discovered about the power of touch-a hug, handshake, holding of a hand, loving shove?

How has God healed through your touch?

 

Please see this week’s DPS sermon for a homily based on this passage.

_____________________________________________________
[1] Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (United Bible Society, 1971), page 76.
[2] The New Interpreter’s Bible VIII (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), page 546.