4TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B
One key word that’s used throughout the gospel of Mark is repent. We usually understand that word in the sense of turning away from sin. And that is certainly one of the ways that it can be understood.
However, St Mark also uses the word in the sense of change – to change one’s mind, to change one’s attitude, or to have a change of heart.
Jesus invites people to live into the reality of the good news. If we are to do this though, we must change our attitudes. We need to see that life has a spiritual side to it; that if we open the eyes of faith we can catch glimpses of God’s movement in our world and our lives will be changed.
At the time of Jesus people were at the mercy of so many things that we can hardly imagine. Sickness and decease were by and large beyond their control. Poverty and want were beyond their control. War and violence were beyond their control. They were at the mercy of the weather. Their whole state in life was beyond their control.
Jesus stepped into this world as one who had authority and control and people at that time recognized this: A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.
Since then, the world has made many advancements. With modern medicine we can control sickness and prolong life. Central heating and air conditioning has given us some control of our environment.
But these developments often give us the false belief that we are the ones in control. Tragedy strikes, sickness befalls us, life takes a sudden turn for the worse, and we realize that we are in fact not in control.
These things happen and our false ideas about life are uncovered. Yet, they’re often invitations to change our minds, our attitudes, and our hearts; to see Jesus as the one who has authority and to live in God’s kingdom.
Do we live in fear that something might happen to us? Or, do we live in faith that no matter what happens, God is with us? Greed, racism, sexism, hunger, and poverty – as big as these evils are – are not bigger than God.
The good news is - the kingdom of God is present. The kingdom of God is among us. We can see it and it can change our lives.
We may never have been possessed by a demon, but we know what it is to feel unclean and unacceptable. Jesus casts out that demon. He enters our lives with forgiveness and grace and we become clean.
We know what it is to be sick – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Jesus casts out that demon. He brings life and wholeness to our lives.
Like the leper and the blind man we know what it’s like to be excluded and marginalized – to not belong. Jesus casts out that demon. He proclaims God’s acceptance of us.
Jesus has the power and authority to change our lives and the lives of those around us and these changes happen in the here and now. They’re not reserved for the life to come.
We are challenged to repent – to change our attitudes and hearts and to see God’s kingdom among us. Then recognizing what God has done in our own lives and in the lives of others, we can follow the example of the leper and the blind man and tell every one of the good things God has done.