Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 on biblegateway.com
Verse 53When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat.
Verse 54When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him,
Verse 55and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.
Verse 56And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Devotion
While the first part of this reading reminds us of the importance of gathering, the last verses emphasize the power of Jesus to heal. The intensity of peoples’ confidence in Jesus is indicated by their “begging him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak” (verse 56). The healing attracted the gathering, but the teaching of Jesus invited them to changed lives. Not many of us are capable of physical healing, so the question is: What are we doing to gather people together and, once we get them gathered, what and how are we communicating reconciliation? Our readings for this Sunday present the coming together of two kingdoms in Jeremiah, our recognizing God’s leading and following us in Psalm 23, the coming together of Jews and Gentiles in Ephesians, and what Jesus does that attracts the crowds—acts of compassion, teaching, and healing. We also need to receive and share these three things to spread the good news Jesus brings.
Prayer
God of Life, inspire us to reach out and respond with the love and acceptance modeled by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.