29th January Mark 1:21-28

Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.  Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”  The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.  The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Why are we now presented with this text again, it's only 19 days since it was last given for holy communion.  Again there must be another meaning which the lectionary wishes us to discern.

Today I'm struck by the miraculous healing and feel compelled to share my own healing.  We started providing prayer ministry after the main service at St Nicolas Earley about a year ago, maybe a little more than that.  A team of us, about a dozen, are rota'd in pairs to be available to pray with anyone who wants it.  Last week I went asking for prayer for my back pain and was astounded by the very real physical warmth that emanated from the laying on of hands and prayer.  Now my back is not fully mended by any means, but it's been a lot better in the most.  I have experienced healing through prayer, a gift from God, on an emotional level before but I now believe wholeheartedly that physical healing is also possible.

Thank you Lord for the gift of healing; physical, emotional and spiritual.  We ask for more gifts of your spirit to come into the world and touch all those in need of your healing.  Amen.