That is Enough

Gospel: Mark 1: 40-45

It is a simple command repeated time and again: tell no one; offer what is prescribed and that should be enough.  But it isn't.  We go about telling anyone and everyone.  We justify it by inventing the "Messianic Secret" theory of theology, that these commands don't apply to us because it was part of some plan back then.  All this ignores the fact that the Gospels were not written to convey theology, but to instill belief in Jesus so that we might have life in his name.

So we ignore the command of Jesus and tell everyone.  The consequence is that Jesus is not able to enter into any town; he must remain in isolated areas.  We have marginalized Jesus because our announcing isn't about him at all.  It's about ourselves, and when that is the case there is no room for Jesus.  He cannot enter within us or in others.  We seek minor celebrity status in order to be major celebrities - make a little profit off the prophet.  

To offer a thanksgiving offering to God, to get up and serve others in silence - these are the authentic responses of faith to Jesus healing us.  These responses reflect love of God and love of neighbor; everything else is love of self.  Today we have been healed at the Lord's table.  We give thanks, and we commit to serve others in humility and silence.