Touching the Untouchable

Homily for Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

When does persistence become nagging? We have two readings today that demonstrate the difference between the two.

In the reading from the First Book of Samuel the people of Israel want a king like their neighbors. They had seen the various celebrations and festivals that these people celebrated as they enthroned a new king or as they celebrated the anniversary of a King’s enthronement and were envious of them. Because the children of Israel regarded God as their king, there were no enthronement ceremonies, there were no festivals, and they felt the poorer for it; and so they nagged Samuel until he relented and allowed them to choose someone to be their king. However, he also warned them that they were tempting fate and that in the future they would come to regret their decision to choose a man as their king. The history of Israel bears out Samuel’s prediction. The number of kings who were faithful to God’s covenant with the people of Israel was few indeed.

The Gospel shows us a different kind of persistence. Four men tried to make their way into the presence of Jesus in order to help their friend who was paralyzed and unable to get to Jesus on his own power. These men were so persistent that they even created a hole in the roof through which they could lower their friend into Jesus’ presence.

This episode is recorded at the beginning of the second chapter of Saint Mark’s Gospel. The first chapter of this gospel was replete with healing miracles. However, Jesus adds another dimension to his healing ministry in this particular episode. He declares that the man’s sins are forgiven. This infuriates the Pharisees and the scribes of Israel. They regarded disease and illness or bodily dysfunction as a result of sin on the part of the person suffering. Jesus uses his power to heal this man to show the Pharisees that he has power not only over physical disease but also over spiritual illness.

These four men demonstrate a kind of persistence that is worthy of emulation. They have placed their faith in Jesus and in his healing power. Now they will also come to know him as the embodiment of God’s mercy and compassion. The church teaches us that the Eucharist is the sacrament of reconciliation. As we celebrate it, we praise and glorify God who is merciful and kind.