Possessed
By now, we have gotten used to the idea that it is a new year. Possibly we made a commitment, on the eve of 2018, to personally do better or be better. Get in shape, lose weight, travel more, make amends, take time for ourselves, read with fresh eyes, appreciate life — these are familiar resolutions on Dec. 31st.
The Christian church marks the beginning of a new year on the first Sunday of Advent. The new year means a new perspective on the gospel and we have entered the year of Mark. This gospel writer doesn’t waste much paper giving detail. Everything is condensed; story, timeline, purpose.
In Chapter one, we hear Mark’s interpretation about the very first encounter of Jesus’ ministry after calling his disciples. The 12 ordinary guys, with regular lives and hang-ups are being introduced to the work of God through Jesus in a dramatic way. They start with an exorcism. Typically, the details are sketchy. A man with an “unclean spirit” calls to Jesus and is liberated.
Who was this guy? What took hold of him? How did Jesus know? These are the questions that linger. Alas, all we know is that he was possessed. Maybe that’s enough for us to relate. What is it that possesses us? Can responding to Jesus help?
Certainly, there is no shortage of reasons as to why we might be preoccupied, obsessed, or even possessed. Stuff, lifestyle, security or lack of it, current global peace and strife, the very planet we inhabit are among the huge topics which dominate the news and create nightmares for those who hold them.
Yet, there is this call, to follow and watch and learn. I am always struck by the obtuse reaction of the disciples, but the one who knows intimately about the thing that has taken over his life, sees Jesus clearly. Maybe it is that simple. The idea of “God with Us”, arises in the unexpected and unusual.
Consider how many times a child has taught something important, invited you to re-evaluate your priorities. Think about the random conversation that rises to the surface and helps you see the world differently. What would it take for you to release the demon? To love yourself, to refrain from the compulsion for more things, to feel grateful and privileged for the chance to share life?
In his ministry, Jesus doesn’t wait for the new year, but seizes every opportunity to provide a fresh start, reminding us that all are worthy, all are valued, all are loved, and that we are on a journey together. A faith for today invited us to be reacquainted with the basics of that liberating message as we exorcise the demonic. May we be possessed by life, and offer our passion to that which gives life!