Word to the Wise
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - Wednesday in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Sam 3:1-10, 19-20 and Mark 1:29-39]On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about here. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 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. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. [Mark]
Each of the four evangelists tells the story of Jesus and his life, death and resurrection differently. This is no surprise since each evangelist(s) were people of faith and lived in different communities of faith for whom they composed their story. Each evangelist had traditions and stories about Jesus that were in circulation at the time. All four wrote AFTER the events they describe. The Gospel According to Mark is the oldest and closest to the time about which he wrote. One tradition has it that he was a companion of St. Peter, who provided him with much of his material. Both Matthew and Luke borrowed greatly from Mark. However, the Gospel According to Mark has its own characteristics and themes, which will be on display for the next few weeks. Today's gospel scripture provides one of them.
One of the overall themes of Mark is that Jesus cannot be known apart from his death and resurrection. The healing miracles demonstrate his power, but do not establish him as "Lord." The demons could recognize him, but he kept them from declaring it. The disciples throughout the gospel seem incapable of recognizing him. Scripture scholars refer to this theme as the "Messianic secret." All that Jesus did and preached is to be seen in the light of the cross and resurrection.
That being said, we can still appreciate the urgent and confrontational quality of the Gospel According to Mark. The scribes and Pharisees will soon make an appearance and create a "dramatic tension" that will permeate the whole journey toward Jerusalem! Stay tuned! AMEN