January 31
The fourth week of Epiphany
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit
21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
The gospel according to Mark
Mark 1:21-28
- How did either the Gospel passage or the Visio Divina exercise lead you personally into worship this week?
- Jesus demonstrates authority in this story in several ways. What are they? What is significant about the connection between the different aspects of His authority? Should we expect a similar connection today?
- How does contemplating God’s authority deepen our worship of Him? If you don’t know how to answer this question, it may help to imagine yourself in the synagogue that day witnessing the display of Jesus’ authority. After that, meditate on other ways that God displays His authority over our lives and over all the earth.
visio divina
Christ Healing the Sick by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, circa 1646-50, etching, drypoint & burn, 10.9” x 15.5”
What are you most drawn to in this image?
How are your emotions stirred by it?
Ask the Lord to increase your holy desires.
Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn is one of the most well-known Dutch Golden Age painters. This etching and many of his works highlight biblical themes. Portrayed here is a sampling of the multitudes who followed Jesus seeking his blessing or healing–children, men, and women, sick and crippled, young and old alike.
Notice how Jesus’ face is the source of light. Rembrandt used dramatic lighting to convey a supernatural source, a Baroque technique. It also illustrates the unseen reality of Jesus’ identity; the face of Yahweh.
Imagine yourself in this multitude. Where would you be? Does Jesus notice you? What would He say to you?
Rembrandt employed diverse printmaking styles and techniques in this technical masterpiece. Take a moment to recall the various people, Bible studies, or discipleship communities that have shaped you and your Christian journey.
Think of your journey with Jesus as a work of art, continuously being refined. You are the art, and he is the Master painter, striving for artistic perfection. He wants your life to portray a visual story of Jesus and his relationship with you.
Does anything in your life need reworking or refining now? Invite the Lord into that area. He is delighted with your faith to seek Him.
Settling and Noticing (eyes open) – 2 minutes
- Take a few deep breaths. Settle into this present moment. Open your heart to God.
- Explore all of the details, colors, movements, and shapes in the image. Then focus more intently on a single aspect of the larger image.
Savoring and Pondering (eyes closed) – 1 minute
- Staying with the part of the image you are drawn to, close your eyes, and recreate or visualize that aspect of the image in your mind’s eye.
- While your eyes are still closed, notice any images, feelings, thoughts or memories from your life that might arise in association with this image
Conclusion (eyes opened or closed) – 2 minutes
- How does the image and your response to it meet you at this particular moment of your life?
- Have a little conversation with God about whatever has arisen in your heart during this exercise. You might find it helpful to write down what happened as you prayed with this image.
Musical Devotion
Worship
Use these songs to guide your worship as you reflect on this week’s Gospel passage.
Such an Awesome God (Worship Initiative)
Classical
Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft - BWV 50 (J.S. Bach)
