Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 308

Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” 

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter.

In the first chapter of Saint Mark's gospel, Jesus comes like a whirlwind out of the desert, an irresistible force of healing and exorcism. He was a man to be reckoned with, someone like the world had never seen. And yet when Jesus commands the cured beggar to "tell no one anything," he "went away and began to publicize the whole matter." Despite the Lord's terrific power, he didn't terrify the man, the disciples, or anyone else. Only the scribes and Pharisees -- who don't appear until the second chapter -- have reason to fear the Lord and conspire against him.

Clearly, the healed man meant no harm. He was overwhelmed with joy at what the Lord had done for him and told everyone. He could not have kept it to himself if he tried since his family and friends would have immediately noticed his improved condition. 

BTW -- Have you noticed TV ads are trying to make eczema seem shameful? The unfortunate personas dare not show themselves in summer apparel or swimsuits. Since when did common afflictions become shameful? If they are cured with this wonder drug, will they show off their beautiful new skin, or prefer to leave the whole matter in an embarrassing past?

The healed man in today's story had no shame whatsoever, though he might have shown more respect for the Lord's command. But at this point of the Gospel, the disciples and the crowds are more enchanted with Jesus than frightened by his authority. He is not an imposing man. We have no physical descriptions of him but he didn't seem to stand taller or broader than anyone and he could disappear into a crowd. 

God's authority is terrifying to those who learn and practice holy fear. This is a strange concept to the secular mind but important to the devout. Just as I might speak casually with imprecise language about someone to a third party, and speak more carefully about them in their actual presence, so we should speak of the Lord always as if he is present, aware, and attentive. 

Likewise, if I am more courteous in the presence of a Very Important Person, I should conduct myself with a continual awareness of God's mighty throne. We can laugh, chat, and have fun, but we're also aware of his benevolent presence and wonderful mercy. 

In the same vein, a devoted husband will not speak a word against his wife, whether she is present or not, for she is always present to him.  With the assurance of confidentiality, he might speak of their issues with a confessor or spiritual director, but he will neither remark about nor allude to her deficiencies with friends, family, or children. 

Walking always in God's presence as we do, we can take some reassurance from a remark by C.S. Lewis, "The Lord is easy to please but hard to satisfy." We want to please him all the time, though we might never satisfy all the demands of justice.