Category Archives: Mark

Clean and whole

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669)
Jesus heals a leper
Pen and ink drawing, c. 1650-1655
Amsterdam, Rijksprentenkabinet

So much conspires to tell me I am an outcast in this society: unemployment, chronic headaches, overwhelming fatigue, and the ever-accelerating pace and stress of modern life when what I crave is time—time to go slowly, to rest, listen, and discern God’s will for me.

When I become aware that I am feeling ashamed of who I am, I pray to be reunited with the unconditional love and compassion that is my birthright. The Lord is always willing to touch me and make me whole again.

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

Helped up

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Christ Healing Peter’s Mother-in-Law
pen and wash, circa 1650-1660

Jesus is always at home to those who need healing. He enters our personal space to touch us, make us whole, and help us get back on our feet so that we may continue to use our gifts and talents to serve others.

May I be willing to show up at the Lord’s door to ask for his grace and guidance. May I invite him to enter my mind, heart, and soul.

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John… When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. Mark 1:29, 32-33

In silence

The language of God is silence. I must be silent, too, in order for my heart to hear and accept what the Lord is teaching me.

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. Mark 1:21

Fishing for the Lord

Commitment. Endurance. Diligence. Exertion. Risk.

Fishing is hard, humbling, day-by-day work.

Trust. Our efforts to love and serve the Lord and each other provide life-giving nourishment for our families, our communities, and our world.

As [Jesus] passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18

A Word of Love

"Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near."

“Learn a lesson from the fig tree.
When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.” Mark 13:28

Love is timeless, without end, forever. Love will not pass away.

Love is the solution to the violence, hatred, greed, and contempt for human life that continue to shock our world.

Love is forgiveness. Love is humility. Love is compassion. Love is admitting when I am wrong. Love is kindness. Love is respect. Love is letting go of resentment. Love is comforting the grieving. Love is helping those who are suffering. Love is putting aside my needs for the moment and listening to you in your moment of need.

The Word is Love.

[Jesus said to his disciples:] “Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.” Mark 13:31

What little I have

JESUS MAFA. The Widow’s Mite, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. [retrieved November 8, 2015].

I have attention to give you. I have good listening. I have encouragement. I have a smile for you.

It’s all yours and you are welcome to it.

[Jesus said,] “She, from her poverty, has contributed all she had.” Mark 12:44b

Calling All Saints – and Prophets

Synaxis_of_all_saints_(icon)Gary might not have been a saint, but he was most assuredly a prophet. He vigorously and decisively pointed the way to more dignified and respectful treatment of those under a doctor’s care, those living in nursing homes, those with terminal illnesses.

I mourn the passing of his forthright energy from our world so in need of advocates for the vulnerable, but not the passing of his Spirit from a body that could no longer contain it.

[Jesus began to teach them, saying,] “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Refusing anonymity

Jesus cures the man born blind

JESUS MAFA. Jesus cures the man born blind, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. [retrieved October 25, 2015]

 Jesus has a personal relationship with me. I know his name. He knows mine. I am not an anonymous being.  I am a daughter of God, created in love by God, beloved of God, uniquely, mysteriously me.

I have been given the grace to know Jesus by name. Let me pass on the gift by knowing you by name, by refusing anonymity to you, my brother or sister in God.

Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” Mark 10:46-47

Not quite there

James Tissot (1836-1902) Le jeune homme riche s'en alla triste, between 1886 and 1894 opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper Brooklyn Musuem

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Le jeune homme riche s’en alla triste
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper,  between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

I enjoy my comforts. A warm home. Running water. Books. An Internet connection. A telephone – two, in fact. A car to drive. Wool sweaters. Plenty and a variety of food to eat.

I’m not quite ready to sell what I have and give to the poor.

But I can share. I can bring goods to the food pantry each week. I can clean out my closet and clear my shelves of items I don’t need and give them to an organization that will use them to help the poor. I can designate some of my monthly income for charitable donations.

Small steps on the way to follow Jesus.

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” Mark 10:21

Like a child

Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1472-1553 Christ Blessing the Children oil on panel, 1537 Kraków, Wawel Castle

Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1472-1553
Christ Blessing the Children
oil on panel, 1537
Kraków, Wawel Castle

Today I will let the child in me accept God’s kingdom of peace, love, compassion, and comfort with wonder, delight, joy, and awe.

And with the knowing that I am blessed and welcome.

[Jesus said to them,] “Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced [the children] and blessed them, placing his hands on them. Mark 10:15-16