Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
Today’s Gospel passage from Mark demonstrates Jesus’ ability to overpower evil spirits curing those who were of diseases and allowing the unclean spirits to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. One key element from this reading that can be overlooked is Jesus’ summoning of the disciples to have a boat prepared so that Jesus isn’t overcome by these evil spirits. This displays a key element of servant leadership amidst the disciples and the trust that Jesus places upon them to make sure their needs are met and their mission upheld.
In a similar fashion, today’s first reading from 1 Samuel tells the story of Saul, David, and Jonathan. We see an element of evil arise in Saul due to his jealousy of David for being credited for slaying many more than Saul and therefore being seen as a higher authority. In a similar way to the disciples and Jesus in today’s Gospel reading, Jonathan embraces an element of servant leadership to stand up in the face of evil by serving as a mediator between Saul and David. It is Jonathan’s communication skills and ability to care for both David and Saul that allows him to talk some sense into Saul and help David recognize the gravity of the situation. This intervention alongside the humility of both Saul and David restores this relationship to its rightful state and allows David to continue serving Saul as he had prior to Saul’s evil thoughts.
There are a lot of remarkable dynamics within these stories, but in particular I’m fascinated with how servant leadership is displayed in a way that stands up in the face of evil and acts as the catalyst to restore order. Maybe there are personal relationships in your life that could use some sort of intervention, or ways that you might need to take a step back to see things more clearly, recognize what is important, and restore order to situation you are involved in or have witnessed. Have there been significant people in your life who have helped you embrace a sense of humility and overcome an element of evil? Who in your life, similar to Jonathan, has made the healing Christ that we see in Mark’s Gospel visible to you? Are there people who you might help recognize Christ so they can overcome evil in their lives?
Heavenly God, help us to recognize our own wrongdoing, to embrace an element of humility and servant leadership when necessary so that we may embrace your mercy and forgiveness - of ourselves and others. Amen.
- Mike Bennett