Friday, March 11, 2011

Psalm 9.1-8, Genesis 2.4-25, Mark 1.29-45 - Lectionary for 3/11/11

Today's readings are Psalm 9.1-8, Genesis 2.4-25, and Mark 1.29-45.

We continue our theme of penitence in our Lenten readings today. See in Mark the work of Jesus to cleanse the leper. He could have healed this poor ill man by his word. But Jesus did what nobody else would do. He touched the leper, bringing his own clean healthy flesh into contact with the diseased flesh which could infect him and kill him. The Law was quite strict that nobody should have to touch a leper, so as to prevent the spread of the disease. But Jesus, the holy and pure one, laid his hand on the unclean man. Likewise, the pure and holy God grants repentance and forgiveness to sinners who are still in their unbelief. On the cross, Jesus died for the sin of the world. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, the righteous for the unrighteous. 

What we would not touch, what we would shun, Jesus, God the Son, cleanses and makes whole by his touch. May our Lord grant us repentance and faith in Him.

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com


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