Breaking the Word

2^nd Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 19^th January 2023 — Gospel: Mark 3,7-12

Universalistic Mission

The descriptive account affirms the presence of crowds in large numbers with various actions: ‘great multitude followed’, ‘great numbers came’, ‘crowds crushed’, ‘cured many’, ‘all diseased pressed upon to touch’, ‘unclean spirits fell down before and shouted’, and ‘sternly ordered them’. These actions exhibit Jesus’ universal nature for countless numbers. Mark, the evangelist, mentions the seven geographical areas from which they come, which symbolize the universal aspect of Jesus’ mission. His universalism is heightened with multitudes consisting of Jewish people from Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem, as well as some Gentiles from the regions of Jordan River and Northern coast of Mediterranean. His universalism is highlighted also in the different categories of people who were healed, including those with the unclean spirits. The narrative commonly states a synthesized theme that Jesus is at home with them all and heals them of all their maladies.

2^nd Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 18^th January 2023 — Gospel: Mark 3,1-6

Single Minded Priority

Jesus once again asserts His authority over the law of the Sabbath and brings health to someone who needs wholeness and salvation. He realizes in doing so, He performs actions which can be used against him. Doing Good to someone who needs help is more important than maintaining the strict observance of the law or keeping oneself free from being condemned and having to suffer. The contrast between the authority and leadership of Jesus and those of religious leaders is very striking. Jesus is concerned with people and what prevents them from having a relationship with His Abba Father. He is willing to do anything, even subject to persecution by the religious leaders, in order to bring health and wholeness to the people. He is single minded and gives priority to others and their needs. The legalistic leaders hold onto their laws and are more concerned about their position in the hierarchical structure than helping those people who are in need.