Lord, I know you can make me clean

If you were asked to describe characteristics of Jesus using only four words, which words would you select? When we read the passage from Mark (Mark 1:40-45) assigned for this Sunday we not only find the message of his Gospel as well as Mark's four words.

Compassion: Mark doesn't often reference Jesus' psychological state, but he does in this Gospel. When Jesus sees this man approach him in need, he is moved immediately to compassion, not judgment.He doesn't ask "What have you done to cause this to happen?" No, he's moved with compassion and a desire to act. This is Jesus, the Word made flesh, the embodiment of God  who is not judgmental, or demanding. He's compassionate.

Touch: There is an intimacy to touch that we frequently take for granted. We rarely think of the basic need human beings have to express their connectedness in a tactile way. Have you ever visited someone who is ill or infirmed? People in a vulnerable state feel separated from the world and often reveal  a need to return, be restored and be part of the community. There are few gestures as powerful as touch and the physical connection between humans. Jesus could easily have healed with a word, a gesture, or a command, but instead he reaches out to touch the leper. The very incarnation of God who takes on our form and endures every aspect of our humanity in all its manifestations, reminds us how much God seeks an intimate relationship with us. 

Willing: Jesus does more than simply respond to the man's plea; he affirms his deepest hopes that is to be seen as having value, dignity and worth, despite his leprosy. And he is, after all, a child of God. Nothing can ever change that. There is nothing we can do to lose God's love. It's not possible. This Gospel provides another example of his everlasting mercy and grace.

Lonely: Make no mistake. These acts of mercy, while perhaps free, take their toll on Jesus. There is, an emotional exchange going on in this reading. Although the leper is now healed, and restored to his community, Jesus can no longer safely travel  anymore. Love always costs something. Perhaps this is why Jesus asked the man to be silent; maybe it’s the "Messianic secret"  or  maybe it was because he knew this would make it difficult for him to freely continue with his ministry? Whatever the reason, and despite the risk, he continues oblivious of the personal risk. He trades places with this man  by sacrificing his freedom in order that the leper finds his. I know many parents, grandparents, lovers and friends can relate. 

So maybe one way to get at this text this week would be to think about the images we have of God. These images were often formed when we were in our formative years; they can be powerful, comforting or troubling and often exist at an unconscious level. So, what four words do we personally think best describe Jesus and God now and then?  

  Love takes what you have and gives it back more beautiful than before.

 (adapted from  Dear Working Preacher, David Lose Feb, 2012.)