Mark 1:40-45 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:40-45 on biblegateway.com
Verse 40A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean." Verse 41Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I do choose. Be made clean!" Verse 42Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. Verse 43After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, Verse 44saying to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." Verse 45But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
Devotion
In this gospel lesson, Epiphany's themes are unmistakably evident. Christ's public ministry was clearly for all people, even a man whose own society banished him as unclean. This man, who suffered from leprosy, somehow already had a revelation of Christ's light and he knew that Jesus could cure him. Once healed, the man would not contain his faith and joy; he "began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word."
In 2012, Christ's public ministry is just as clear for all people, whatever their social status, condition or homeland. When we support global missions that provide people with health and life, Christ's light is revealed to all nations. Healthcare ministries, for example, prevent and treat malaria or HIV/AIDS, freely proclaim—with or without words—God's healing power. The resulting testimonies about God's power, grace and love spread the Word in ways far more infectious than the diseases themselves!
Prayer
Gracious God, alleluia! You heal and you give life now and in eternity. Help that our every action and word will freely proclaim your love to all people. Guide us to continue your public ministry of healing throughout the world. Amen.