GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
PREACHING AND HEALING: Mk 1,32-45
We saw in the overview how the two episodes of verses 32-34 and 35-39 belong together, because they take place on the same day. The first takes place just after sunset and the beginning of the new day. The second then happens just before dawn.
With these two episodes, we will also read on this page the short story of the healing of the leper, 1,40-45, This is the healing which completes the chapter and the opening of Jesus' minstry. We will therefore need to consider what Mark's story has told us up to this point.
Evening and Morning: 1,32-39
As we have noted, verse 32 begins the new day. Note how it is stressed.
Who are the main focus of the summary in verses 32-34?
How would "hyperbole" describe these three verses? Compare with Mt 8,16.
What are the various elements in verse 35 and what do they tell us about Jesus? Compare these verses with Lk 4,42.
Compare various translations of verse 36 - what does this tell us about the discipleS? How does Jesus respond to them?
Then have a look at my response.
Jesus and the Leper: 1,40-45
This incident concludes the evangelist's opening presentation of Jesus' ministry. We need to consider the story to this point before the new opening in 2,1 when there will be a different atmosphere.
This story of the healing of the leper is often described as a typical miracle story. Reading the story, try to pick up the various stages by which it unfolds (noting how one stage has been expanded).
There is a similar story in 2 Kngs 5,8-14 where Elisha heals Naaman. What is the difference between Elisha and Jesus?
Verses 40 and 41 speak of the leper approaching Jesus. What is happening for the first time in the Gospel? If you need a clue, look at 5,27 or 10,47.
What boundaries or taboos are being broken in this exchange? Look at several translations and see if there is an important difference between them.
What do verses 43 and 44 tell us about Jesus? What might be the purpose of his command to silence?
To see why Jesus send the man to the priests look at Lev 14,2-32. What is the result for the man? How does that explain verse 45? Look back to 1,28.
With the message of verse 45, consider where the evangelist has taken us in the second part of this first chapter as the story of Jesus' ministry begins. What have those taking part in the story learnt about Jesus? Are there signs of trouble to come?
Then have a look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel: 5th Sunday
The Gospel for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time is 1,29-39 so it begins with the healing of Peter's Mother in Law (which we read on the previous page).
The accompanying OT reading for this Sunday is taken from the book of Job (Job 7,1-4.6-7). How well do you think this reading illustrates the Gospel?
Take a look now at my response.
The Sunday Gospel: 6th Sunday
The story of Jesus healing a leper, 1,40-45, is then the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The two short extracts from the beginning and end of chapter 13 of the book of Leviticus sets the context for this healing nicely. You might like to glance through the whole of the chapter where the conditions of leprous are set out in considerable and not very savoury detail. Chapter 14 then explains the conditions and means for purification. Why do you think this was so important for the ancients?
What is the effect of being a leper at that time? What line in the reading perhaps sums up the best the consequences of leprosy for the sufferer?
The consider the contrast between the reading from Leviticus and the Gospel, the different attitudes of the ancient community and of Jesus.
Now have another look at my response.
We are now ready to move on to the second chapter of the Gospel and a new section.