Homily for 5 Epiphany B

My sisters and brothers, do we have strong enough Christian credentials?

In our reading from Isaiah, God reminds the evil doers that they cannot hide from Divine justice. He sees & knows all. This is dramatized by God speaking through the prophet in a direct address to the people. Can anyone measure God’s domain in human terms? So how can you think you can tell God what to do? Surely he decides what is just; surely he is the source of all “knowledge” and “understanding.”

In our Corinthians reading, Paul further illustrates his view that we should accommodate others for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. He also defends himself against challenges to his apostleship. He has written that, whatever others may think, he is an apostle for he has seen the risen Christ and he has brought many to him, especially at Corinth. However, rather than risk that asserting his “rights” as an apostle might become an “obstacle” to faith for new converts, he will not insist on his rights. Nothing must get in the way of telling, the good news. He has brought people to Christ by becoming as one religiously with them: he has behaved in a way not to give offense to prospects for conversion, to establish communications with them, respecting their customs. He has voluntarily restricted the freedom he has in Christ, making himself “a slave to all.”

In the reading from Mark’s gospel we see Jesus furthering his mission by healing Peter’s mother-in-law and “many others.” That she serves them as a show of hospitality, illustrates that she is completely and immediately cured. Many gather around the doorway of the house to see his miracles. The evil forces recognize his power over them but he intends to show himself as God’s agent later, so he does not “permit the demons to speak” Finally He withdraws to be alone to commune with God. This is another theme that will repeat itself in Mark’s telling of Jesus’ story.

In essence, Mark is going about establishing Jesus’ credentials as prophet and healer. We have various ways of establishing our authenticity. We have picture ID, usually a driver’s license, sometimes a corporate ID badge or military ID. We also have various kinds of professional credentials: State licenses to practice law or medicine; a reputation gained through getting our work published, etc. We even sight long lists of accomplishments.

In Jesus’ day one might be known as a Rabi in the school of X, or of Y. Later Christian teachers credentialed their work by attributing them to a master teacher or apostle of the faith: Paul, Peter, John, etc. Part of Jesus reputation as a uniquely powerful teacher and healer came from the ease he had at doing miraculous things. Often he did not more than give a command or touch someone. Rather, than using elaborate rituals or noxious smelling concoctions.

Nevertheless, what are our credentials as Christians? The time we spend in prayer, public worship, doing good and caring things for others? Are you satisfied with your Christian Resume? A friend of mine once posed the question to a group of us sitting in a pub talking erudite theology. If Christianity were outlawed tomorrow, would there be enough evidence to convict you?