How Good News happens

 

In his letter to the Hebrews, Saint Paul tells us that Jesus is just like us, one who shares in blood and in flesh.  And because He is one like us in all things but sin, Jesus has the power even to overcome "the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil."  And still more heartening and endearing is Paul’s reminder that Jesus didn’t come to help angels, but rather, to bring His healing message to us, the descendants of Abraham.  Paul concludes by saying, "Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested."  (Hebrews 2:14-18).  Jesus, the one sent by God, the one who’s just like us, the one who knows the meaning of suffering and struggle, He is the one, our merciful high priest who stands before God on our behalf.

The Gospel of Mark begins abruptly:  "The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."  (Mark 1:1).  Then Mark started laying out his reasons for such a bold statement, in what seems upon first glance to be a subtle gesture by Jesus.  As I reflected on just this one event, I wondered why it was important for Mark to tell the story.  I am surprised how much it tells us about Jesus—and our own mission, as well—as I was led by the Holy Spirit to understand.

Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a fever.  Jesus promptly took her hand and helped her up.  She was immediately cured of her fever and she began waiting on Jesus, Simon, James, and John (Mark 1:29-39). This story reveals two important points:

First, Jesus broke a cultural barrier by touching Simon’s mother-in-law.  In that culture and time, men didn’t touch women, except family members.  Yet, the Gospel tells us Jesus "grasped her hand and helped her up."   I read that the word in Greek used for “helped her up” is the same word that is used for “raised”, as in Jesus’ Resurrection.  And she “waited on them” – in Greek "diekonei" – more accurately, she “ministered” to them.  We get the word "deacon" from this root.

Second, Jesus then broke a Mosaic barrier.  He healed the woman on the Sabbath.

Jesus immediately dramatized for us the beginning of His good news.  There are no barriers, no obstacles that will prevent Jesus from entering our house, our soul, where we suffer spiritual illness.  By His healing touch, He’ll raise us to new life and restore us to our community.  And in that new life, we’re called to minister to one another.  That’s how the good news happens.