Today’s Gospel reading contains a number of unresolved textual problems. In most English translations these problems are solved in a manner that is consistent with our perceptions of Jesus as welcoming and desiring to heal. This approach may not, however, be consistent with the best reading of the text. The text, with the controversial elements is as follows:
A leper came to him begging him, [and kneeling] he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ MOVED WITH PITY/MOVED WITH ANGER, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him/With indignation toward him he sent him away at once/drove him away, saying 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.’ But 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. —Mark 1:40-45
Almighty and ever-living God, with mercy you look upon our weaknesses. Stretch out your wondrous hand to protect us from danger and restore us to health, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Candlelight Evening Prayer is held at 10 p.m. in the Main Chapel when classes are in session. Rev. Charlene Cox preaches.
View a schedule of upcoming Sundays at the Chapel.
Agnus Day
Agnus Day is a weekly cartoon drawn by Pr. James Wetzstein, usually based on Sunday's gospel reading. It is updated on this site on Wednesdays.
