5th Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39
Here, the Gospel of Mark continues from last Sunday when we learned that Jesus’ teachings – with authority – left an impression. The Messiah has left that Synagogue and entered the home of Andrew and Simon (Peter) alongside his other newly recruited disciples. What follows next reveals both the humanity and divinity of Jesus. The evidence to the former is found when Simon’s mother is restored with gentleness (verse 31), and Jesus searches for personal space to restore himself (35- 37) – power to the introverts! The latter is revealed by Jesus’ divine powers to heal and run unopposed by the lords and evil of this world (34). Plus, the Savior of the world has a world to save (38 -39).
The prophet Isaiah voices the promise that the God who has the power to “stretch out the heavens” and create celestial dissolution (verse 22) “gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless” (29).
Paul confesses to the church in Corinth that he has become many things so a few could be saved (verse 22). Perhaps that somewhat embodies God’s plan to come to us in human form and deliver his kingdom to us in person (23).
“Great is our Lord and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;
he casts the wicked to the ground.”
(Psalm 147:5-6; NRSVue)
Bridging Faith 