Stories and Circles © Jan L. Richardson
Reading from the Gospels, Year B, Proper 8/Ordinary 13/Pentecost +4: Mark 5.21-4
This coming Sunday, the lectionary gives us a reading that’s among my favorites in all of scripture. In this passage, a version of which Matthew and Luke include in their gospels, Mark gives us the story of two healings that are intertwined with one another. This text stands among my favorites because, in addition to giving us a double dose of remarkable healings, the gospels structurally connect them in a way that reminds us of a crucial element in our search for wholeness: our healing must be linked to the healing of others. Healing is not solely a personal endeavor, this passage tells us; it occurs in the context of community. We seek it not only for ourselves but as part of the flourishing of the wider world. Our wholeness is bound together.
I offered a reflection on Matthew’s telling of this story last year, so, particularly as I’m continuing to direct most of my writing energies toward my book-in-progress (prayers very welcome!), I invite you to visit that post by clicking here. I wish you many blessings in these days of Ordinary Time.
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