Opening sentence. You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that by his poverty we might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Collect. Almighty God, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge: open our eyes to your presence, and make us more responsive to your call, that we may grow in the wisdom and grace you offer us in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. 2 Corinthians 8:7-15. At the time that Paul was writing this letter to the Corinthians, the church in Macedonia, (that is Philippi and Thessalonica) was facing two problems, there was a shortage of food and they were also being persecuted by their fellow citizens. Times for them were tough, yet they had given generously to the Christians in Jerusalem who we having a much harder time. Paul was using the example of the Macedonian generosity to encourage the Corinthians to also give a gift in order to help meet the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem. The Corinthians had begun to make a start on this gift under the leadership of Titus but it had not been finalised.
We have noted before that the congregation in Corinth was very wealthy, there were not many of noble birth for the congregation was made up of freed slaves and Roman citizens who had prospered in the lucrative trades and small businesses that flourished in this important port.
By using the Macedonian example Paul was reminding them of their wealth without referring to it directly. It is clear that giving the gift was important to Paul for he knew how dire the conditions were in Jerusalem. However Paul is urging them to give for their own sakes as well. When things are going well it is easy to become complacent about the needs of others and also it is easy to forget that in times of want or plenty, reliance on God is central to being a Christian.
From the New Testament record the congregation in Corinth was the most spiritually gifted church of all Paul’s churches. Thus he is not flattering them when he says they excel in faith, speech and knowledge. Paul is urging them to give, not out of their wealth but out of their love, love for Christ and also love for fellow Christians who where in need. This was so they may excel in their gift of generosity as well. He then goes on to remind them of the generosity of Jesus Christ who laid aside all his wealth and power in order to offer himself as a sacrifice, a sacrifice that changed their lives from death to true life itself. Out of his love for them Paul wants to be able to boast about the generosity of the Corinthians for it would demonstrate how firmly they had accepted the life of faith in Jesus. Under the old law the people of God were required to give to God a tenth of their gross income. It was an obligation they could not avoid. Under Christ the requirement to tithe had been put away, now giving is to be a response of love in gratitude for what God in Jesus Christ had done. Paul expands that principle in the next section of his letter when he says, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.(2 Corinth 9:7.) Generosity of heart that responds to the needs of others is a sure sign that God’s love and provision has in reality touched not only a believer’s life but also their possessions.
Prayer. Lord you are the great Creator, the Lord over all and yet in mercy you sent your Son to be the Saviour of the world. How can we express our thanks for your inexpressible gift? Grant that we may always remember that all we have and all we are comes from your hand alone. May we not cling on to the things of this life as if they were our own but always be ready to place all we have at your disposal. Grant us the wisdom we need to truly be your servants as we serve those around us. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Lord who have his all for us. Amen
Reading. Mark 5:21-43. Jesus crosses to “the other side” indicating that he has come to Capernaum, which was the place he had made his home. Mark remembers a gathered crowd and also describes some important signs of the coming kingdom, namely healing and the forgiveness of sin, and also God’s power to bring life out of death.
In the large crowd was a woman who was beyond the help of the medical experts. Mark notes that she was not getting better only worse! As well as that her haemorrhage meant that she was ritually unclean and as such was not able to be a participant in any religious ceremonies, or be out in public as her presence could also make others unclean. The woman was in a very vulnerable position and if discovered could have been stoned to death. Nonetheless her faith in Jesus is complete and she took the risk to be out in public in order to receive healing from the one whom she trusted.
As she touched the hem of his clothing she realises her body has been made whole again. Jesus also sensed that an exchange had taken place and despite the crush of the crowd called her out. What she had hoped would be a private exchange now became very public. Confronted with Jesus she tells him of her complaint and thus her breaking of the Law in order to touch him. In response Jesus not only confirms she is healed of her disease but also forgives her and reinstates her back into the community of faith, the woman is again free to take her place in the worship of God. By the grace of God she is restored in body mind and spirit at the touch of Jesus. Her faith has brought her to the place of healing and Jesus commends her for that faith.
While that healing is taking place, Jesus is also preparing to go to another act of grace. Jairus was a leader of the synagogue and as such would have been a prominent man in the community. His need is such that he falls at Jesus feet in humble submission. Unlike the woman whose need was to be healed privately, he states his need openly in public, before everyone.
Jesus goes with him to meet his need but due to the delay caused by the act of healing news comes that Jairus’ daughter has died. At the news, Jesus encourages Jairus to put aside his fear and keep on believing. Now Mark notes that what had begun as a very public request now becomes a private action with only Peter, James and John allowed to company Jairus and Jesus. As the small group approach the house they are met with family and friends expressing deep sorrow. We should not be too cynical about the commotion, then as now the death of a loved one, especially a child causes a profound sense of loss. Mark’s description shows that Jesus sees a different reality than do the mourners. They see only death but Jesus sees the reality of life. The commotion heightens the awareness of death but with the presence of Jesus death is vanquished. When his statement that she is only asleep is met with derision he puts them outside and allows only the parents and his closest disciples to be present with the child. The little girl is drawn back to life at the command of Jesus and she joins her grateful parents. The outstretched hand of Jesus has lifted her back into new life. The restoration of the girl back to life astounds them all but they are commanded to tell no one. This was a family matter and not a spectacle to be pondered over.
For a person to perform a healing was amazing but within the scope of human understanding but calling someone back into life was incomprehensible. In remembering the ministry of Jesus, Mark is reminding his readers that Jesus has the power and authority to heal and forgive and to restore both in life as well as through death. Out of the depths I cry to you: Lord , hear my voice! With the Lord is love unfailing, and great power to redeem. Psalm 130:1, 7
Prayer. Holy Lord, take away the arrogance and the blindness that sees you only as an emergency at the end of the line. Help us to see that as our Father you want always to be with us to heal and to help us. Grant that we will put aside our pride and learn to trust in you alone. You alone are the source of life and from you alone comes life eternal. Grant us the wisdom to see you as you are and to place every day at your disposal that we may draw our strength from you and use your strength to live lives honouring to you. In your love we pray for those that we know who are going through times of hard testing, for those whose faith is stretched to breaking point, for those who face deep sadness every day, for those whose hope is failing and whose future seems bleak. Break through into all our lives Lord with your health and strength; give us confidence to trust until that time when all we face in life has been resolved and we meet Jesus face to face. Amen.
Collect. Jesus, hope of the hopeless, give us abundant confidence in you that we may find comfort at all times, relief from our burdens, and healing where it is your will; until that day when we see you face to face, and know you as you are for ever and ever. Amen.
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