This Epiphany season we have been challenged to discern that "AHA!" experience when the extraordinary manifests itself in the ordinary, as God comes near. We have seen fishermen immediately drop their nets and leave their occupations - life as they knew it - and follow Jesus, stepping out in faith to discover how to become fishers of people. We have discussed what made them take this drastic step. What was it about Jesus which draws us to him, to lose ourselves in him, and his mission?
Last week we discussed his authority - εξουσια - "freeing power," as he cast out demons, unclean spirits, and began his healing ministry. What makes us seek him? What is it we long for?
In his homily, The Rev. James Liggett tells us that the people of Capernaum recognized a good thing when they saw it. You know, have him set up shop in their town, "establish the Jesus of Nazareth Preaching and Healing Mission," give him top billing, a good benefit package, nice pension and time off - you get the picture. But what does Jesus do? Why does he leave? Where does he go? Liggett then turns the tables and asks us "What are we to do with this Jesus?" What does Jesus do to Simon's mother-in-law? What does Simon's mother-in-law do?
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, tells us we are to rise up from Jesus' healing touch, and become his hands in healing, feeding, offering hope where there is no hope, becoming a companion to the lonely, and a comfort to those who suffer loss, lifting them up, as we are lifted up - raised to wholeness in that liberating journey home in her "Join Hands, Reach Out, and Lift up."
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