Lent Week 1—Thursday. Psalm 50 Genesis 39:1-23 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15 Mark 2:1-12
God blessed Potiphar’s house for Joseph’s sake, not for Potiphar necessarily, because he was mostly thinking about his next meal. We know the story. Whatever Joseph did, God made it prosper. Yes, Joseph suffered at the hands of his brothers and Potiphar’s wife, but in the end, all was made right. Let’s try to remember this promise as we look with horror at the world around us. That was the Genesis lesson.
In Corinthians, Paul reminds us that we are completely dependent upon God alone.
Happily, Paul cannot stop there. He goes on to speak of God’s Servants, the ones who plant the seed of Good News in our minds and hearts. Then there are others who water that seed in us in order for God to make it grow and even flourish. The life that we lead proclaims the care of our garden, with thanksgiving for God’s Servants, our good friends, teachers and mentors. Thank you, Saint Marks!
Mark tells us that there was a huge crowd present on that day, at Jesus home, where
He was proclaiming the Good News. There were four friends who wanted their friend, who was paralytic, to be healed by Jesus. With such a goal in mind, the four friends carried their handicapped friend around the house, up the outside steps, removed the roof, in order to lower their friend to Jesus for healing. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Did you catch it? Because of the faith of the Friends, not necessarily the Paralytic, he was healed, but only after his sins were forgiven. This is not how I remember this story. It is thanks to the ruminating Scribes for this small uproar that continues to delight and surprise to this day.
Rosemary Lafargue
The Carpenter's Nail 