By Action and Example

Mark 1:38-39

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Rev. M. Sylvia O. Vásquez, Rector
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Walnut Creek)

What a joy to know we have a God that is so concerned for our lives that healing us from a mere fever and healing us from a catastrophic illness like leprosy are equally compelling in God’s eyes!

God shows us by action and example that there is no situation that can diminish our lives when we believe in God’s message of salvation. You might be wondering what salvation really means. Just what is this “Good News” we hear about in Mark’s Gospel? Salvation is not only about what happens to us after we die. It is more about what happens to us in this earthly existence. The message God wants us to believe is that we are not alone in our challenges and obstacles. We are saved from hopelessness, isolation, alienation, and believing we have nothing for which to live.

We have proof of God’s love for us by what Jesus did on the cross. At any point in his ministry, Jesus could have avoided the Jewish leaders who were against him or said something that would have satisfied Pontius Pilate and avoided the death penalty. But he decided to be true to his calling and did not change his message of love and reconciliation. Jesus died on the cross to show us how much God loves us and cares for each one of us.

Jesus asks us to treat each other the same, from the most important to the regular folks. Jesus asks us to be willing to offer healing to all regardless of their position in society. This is a good time to practice what you believe.

Let us pray, God of love and God of our salvation, pour out your spirit of compassion, that all who believe in you will treat all people with dignity and respect, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.