Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MARK 2:13-17

Jesus went to the house of Levi, on invitation, for a farewell –feast which Levi had arranged to his friends before he joined Jesus. Prophet Elisha made a similar meal before he left for his new mission (1Kg 19:21). Levi was cheerful because he got a new vocation (from Jesus) and he was grateful to God for that and hence this celebration was called for.

In Judaism fellowship at table had the special meaning of fellowship in the sight of God. Each person at the table ate a piece of broken bread and thus received a share in the blessing spoken by the master of the house over the whole loaf. Finally, every meal is a sign of the coming eschatological meal and the eschatological fellowship with God. Jesus offered this fellowship to all and especially to the marginalized.

யூத கலாச்சாரத்தில் சேர்ந்து உண்பது உறவை வெளிப்படுத்தியது. இறைவன் அம்மக்களுக்குக் கொடுக்கும் ஆசீரில் பங்கு பெறுவதாகும். மறுஉலகில் இறைவனோடு உண்ண இருக்கும் உறவு-உணவுக்கு இது ஒரு முன் அடையாளமாக இருந்தது.

GOSPEL READING: MARK 2:1-12

Jesus saw the faith only. He was not interested in from whom the faith was expressed. Jesus did not expect the faith from the sick person. This is seen in all his miracle stories. (But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” – Lk 18:8).

If there is faith then there is miracle. Gospel presents many examples on this. Jairus’ daughter was raised to life because of the faith of the father; the faith of the centurion healed the servant who was sick, the faith of the mother healed the daughter and here the faith of those who carried him healed the man who was being carried.

இயேசு நம்பிக்கை ஒன்றைத்தான் காண்கிறார். நம்பிக்கை யாரிடமிருந்து வருகிறது என்பது முக்கியமல்ல. நம்பிக்கை இருந்தால் குணமுண்டு. புதுமைகள் நிகழும். (ஆயினும் மானிடமகன் வரும்போது மண்ணுலகில் நம்பிக்கையைக் காண்பாரோ?” – லூக் 18:8)