Today's Gospel, Mark 1:29-39, continues the series of readings from Mark about the early months of Christ's ministry. Jesus preaches and heals throughout Galilee. We see His message and spiritual power. In today's selection, we see three notable characteristics of His ministry: prayer, preaching, and healing.
Jesus prays publicly and privately and encourages others to pray as well. He preaches the message of the kingdom of heaven. He calls people to repentance and to faith in the good news of forgiveness. He also applies His preaching by bringing many people healing from physical, moral, and spiritual afflictions.
These three characteristics of Christ's ministry still apply to Christians in two respects. First, they apply to us as recipients of His continuing ministry in Word and Sacrament. We still benefit from His prayer, preaching, and healing. Secondly, these characteristics of Christ's ministry also apply to Christians as people who are called to share in Christ's ministry. We pray for others and call them to prayer. By word and action, we call others to repentance and to faith in the Gospel. And by using our finite gifts and opportunities, we share Christ's healing for bodies, minds, and souls.
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