Lectionary Readings. Epiphany 6 Part 2
“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” Ephesians 2:10 (NRSV)
Reading. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. When we think of all that Paul has emphasized about Christ being the power that allows him to do all the work that he does this metaphor might seem at first reading to be a little strange. To run the race to obtain the prize seems to put the emphasis on what we do. However in the light of Paul’s teaching we know that we can do nothing to earn God’s approval or receive the salvation that Jesus has won; so we have to look a little closer to understand what Paul is saying. The salvation that Jesus has obtained for us is always a universal victory. We remember that “God so loved the world” (John 3:16f) Despite that we have to receive that salvation on a personal level and to use Paul’s metaphor, we have to run to receive that personal prize: for a prize it is as we can only receive it, we do not earn it. You may remember a prayer that was used in Christian Endeavour which was, “Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise Him that I will strive to do whatever He would like to have me do; that I will make it the rule of my life to pray and to read the Bible every day, and to support the work and worship of my own church in every way possible; and that just so far as I know how, throughout my whole life, I will endeavour to lead a Christian life”. This prayer seems to capture something of what Paul is saying. We live our lives trusting in what Jesus has done, and that trust shapes the way we live out our lives. Thus while we do not try to earn God’s salvation, as we have received salvation we have to exercise self discipline because that is what those who belong to Christ are equipped to do.
Prayer. God of majesty and power, as we come into your presence in prayer we bow our heads in confession; for we have often kept you at arms length, afraid and over awed with who you are. We find it hard to understand the depth of love that you have for us, because of the sacrifice of Jesus, and because this was your plan from the foundation of the world. Forgive us Lord and help us to see you more clearly and open our lives more fully to you. Help us to be truly filled with the knowledge of your goodness. May the love of Jesus flood through our lives and so empower us to live a life that is worthy of you. This we pray through Jesus our Saviour and Lord. Amen
Reading. Mark 1:40-45. This passage reminds us that Jesus did not heal in order to be noticed. The healing that followed Jesus was always a clear sign that the Kingdom of God had come in him. That is one of the reasons that Jesus told the healed man simply to do what the law prescribed and get on with his life. Jesus had no wish to be seen simply as a healer, his message and ministry was more radical than just healing. However, the healing of a man with leprosy is quite significant.
Leprosy then as now, is a disease that has far reaching consequences. Not only is it a disease that could have serious physical results, but perhaps more importantly it means that as a leper you are no longer considered to be a part of any community and you were also separated from your family. Your only companions were other lepers, who like you lived in poverty. When Jesus touched the leper, the acceptance and inclusion would have astonished everyone who witnessed the healing. The healing though was exactly what the Kingdom is like; through the touch of Jesus everyone is included. There are no lepers in the Kingdom. In the Kingdom, under God’s rule each one is providentially cared for and justice and mercy prevail. The healed man was free to be welcomed back into his family and community but in the Kingdom the whole world was in the embrace of God’s love.
Prayer. Lord you are always reaching out for us and in love you have only good things for us. We praise and bless you for each opportunity of witness and service in your name. Lord help us not to become weary in your service but to always draw our strength from the knowledge of your nearness. May we rejoice to do as you require and achieve great things in your name, things beyond our wildest imagining. Lord, may healing and wholeness flow among us as we seek to honour your name in all we do. This we ask through Jesus our Saviour. Amen
Collect. Jesus, friend of the outcast, you are moved with pity for those who are rejected; help us to open our hands and hearts with yours that your Church may be a community of healing, burning with your light and love now and for ever. Amen
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