"...immediately the leprosy left him, and, he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him way at once, saying to him, 'See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleaning what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them" Mark 1:42-43 NRSV.
In the healing stories that we hear in the season of Epiphany, those how are healed are left to return to the every day life in family, community, and a new lift with God. Jesus does not send them forth to be disciples or give them a charge to spread the Gospel. Even though those who are healed do not always follow Jesus' admonitions to be quiet, they also are not called to be disciples.
Reflect today what is the different between healing and discipleship. When have you been healed and how does that describe your relationship with Christ? When have you been a disciple sharing your story in Christ's life? How are these two parts of the Christian life different? How are they the same?
Reflecting on the every day, practical dimensions of faith. Practices to shape our lives each day as followers of Christ. Stories to share our practical experiences of wisdom, faith, hope, and love.
Good question and food for thought...
ReplyDeleteI believe discipleship can be a quiet thing; one does not need to make a big-time pronouncement. We are God's living enterprise here on earth and who we are becomes a teaching moment..thus, we are disciples.
We can effectively pray for healing or pray-a- mess. God will do what God will do...and sometimes healing takes place and we don't even recognize it....Must make God frustrated, don't you think? Ceil I.