Mark 1:29-39

Background: The first reading for this Sunday is taken from the book of Job. Throughout this book Job struggles with the miserable state of his life. Job's friends urge him to acknowledge his sinfulness before God in the hope that God will once again restore him to a state of favor and he will once again enjoy the God's blessings and a good life. But Job has not sinned, as the reader knows, and therefore cannot repent. However, Job's friends give voice to the commonly held understanding that suffering which includes illness is God's way of punishing sinfulness. This understanding of suffering and sickness provides a framework for understanding the Jesus ministry of healing and the gospel text.

The people who approach Jesus for healing are out of relationship with the larger Jewish community. They are often viewed as outcast, untouchables. Healing involves restoring them to right relationships and is often signaled by Jesus touching them. Within her culture, Peter's mother-in-law state is one of complete humiliation. When a woman marries she leaves the house of her father and enters the household of her husband. If her husband should die she would live with either her son or return to the house of her father. In the case of Peter's mother-in-law the reader must presume that neither of these cases are possible and she has had to relay the charity of her daughter's husband, Peter, and his family.

In the text it is significant that Jesus touches her. He takes her by the hand and raises her up. He raises her up to a new status and relationship within the family. This is signified by the fact that she now as a responsibility and she begins to exercise that responsibility by waiting on Peter, the other members of the family, and their guests.

The text also reminds the reader that Jesus is not just another miracle worker. Yes, he has come to restore people to right relationships. But his pu 409e is to preach that the Kingdom of God is near at hand. Jesus' healing is not an end in itself, but in the broadest sense, is to be a sign of God's desire to restore God's relationship with God's chosen people.

1. Can you think of a time when you were part of a team or community but did not have any real responsibility or sense that you were making a positive contribution? How did you find meaning in that situation?
2. Are there situations were you are reluctant to touch other people? How does that affect your relationship with those people?
3. Have you ever gone through a period in your life were you really struggled with your own self worth? Compare that to being physically ill with the flu.
4. We are told that the whole town gathered at the house. Among them were people who had illnesses and/or were possessed by evil spirits. What do you think is the mood in village at this point? What impact would this have on Peter and the disciples? What effect does all this have on Jesus?
5. Jesus gets up early to pray. What do you think he was praying about?
6. Why do you think Jesus seems to ignore the request of Simon to return to those who are looking for him?
7. What is it that strikes you the most about this passage? What is that stands out for you? Is there something going on in your life that might affect how you hear this passage?

(Comments to Paul at frpaul@franoutreach.org.)

Serving the University of Houston, Main Campus