On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
13th Sunday, Year B
What We Celebrate
Last Sunday, in the 12th Sunday’s gospel, Jesus begins teaching the disciples with the first in a series of miracles that demonstrate the extraordinary character of Jesus’ power.
Calming the storm at sea (Mk 4:34-41) – Last Sunday
Casting a legion of demons from a man (Mk 5:1-20)
Raising Jairus’ daughter (Mk 5:21-24, 35-43) This Sunday
Healing the bleeding woman (Mk 5:25-34) This Sunday
In these miracles, Jesus exercises his power over nature, over the demonic army, over sickness, and over death. Another detail which connects several of the readings is the association of Jesus and uncleanliness: the possessed man from the tombs (who is probably a Gentile), the flow of blood from the woman, and being in the presence of death all pull Jesus into the category of ceremonial uncleanness – which is really a way of speaking about holiness.
There is a lot going on in this gospel. Take a moment “on the back porch” and find out more about this amazing Gospel.
Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary
Image credit: The Daughter of Jairus (La fille de Zäire), 1886-1896 | James Tissot | Brooklyn Museum, | PD-US
The Book of Leviticus
You might be wondering, “why a video on perhaps the most arcane and boring book of the Bible?” Answer: because it has a lot to say about holiness and purity (which are likely not what you think they mean). Take a few minutes to delve into this two key biblical attributes.