Gospel: Mark 3: 7-12
In today's Gospel we find Jesus everywhere pressed by the crowd. It follows him from place to place, pushing towards him in order to receive healing from their infirmities, liberation from their demons, and nourishment for their hungry bodies and spirits. And everywhere Jesus goes he does these very things for the people, making accommodation for them as he does in today's passage. But then, there is another part to be mentioned...
Now that people have been healed, what is their response to that encounter with the Lord? He enjoins them to tell no one, to go and offer thanksgiving, and to go out and provide healing, deliverance, and nourishment for others. Most people choose to ignore Jesus. They go off and tell others. They create media empires and cottage industry "Christian ministries" of witness and testimonial. They do not provide healing, or liberation, or nourishment for others. They only provide fame, wealth, and power for themselves.
The only authentic Christian ministry is to provide healing, liberation, and nourishment for others in humble service, not seeking wealth or power or influence. It is the ministry of providing mercy and love to the vulnerable and marginalized in society, not one that serves the power of mammon. Today is a day to reflect on how we respond to God healing, liberating, and nourishing us, how we will follow the Lord Jesus in showing love and mercy to others.
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