Theme: God shows mercy to those who genuinely repent.
Scripture readings: 1 Sam 4:1-11; Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25; Mark 1:40-45
The Israelites faced the Philistines as one of the biggest enemy in the days of Eli. The Philistines had great armors such as swords, spears, helmets, shields from the Greece. They were the first one in Canaan to process iron. They were present at the time of Abraham in land of Canaan but when the Israelites came from the Egypt they also migrated in big numbers from the island of Crete. They were good in warfare. So the armors, military skills and the big number of migration help them to become the powerful community.
Today’s reading tells us that Israel went into the war with this mighty enemy trusting in their own merits. In the beginning, four thousand men were killed. The elders of the community thought that the ark of the covenant will save them. The Israelites believed the presence of God in the ark of the covenant. So they brought the covenant from Shiloh where it was worshipped. The people were superstitious that they would win the war against the Philistines with the help of the Ark. The reading tells us the Ark of the covenant was captured, thirty thousand men were killed and two sons of Eli died in the battle.
Why did God allow the Philistines win the battle? Why did God allow them to capture the Ark? Why did the Isrealites face the defeat even the Ark was present on the battle field? God never wanted people to rely on the Ark but to turn back from their sinfulness especially the sons of Eli; Hophni and Phinehas. They were brutal. They were known for their wrongdoings such as engaging in illicit behavior, keeping the best portion of sacrifices for themselves and having sexual relationship with the sanctuary’s serving women. (1 Sam. 2:12-17, 22-25) Instead of repenting over their sinful lives, they made God (the Ark of covenant) a scape goat before the mighty enemy. They had thought the trick of Joshua marching the Ark around the city of Jericho would work for them but it never happened. (Jos 6:6-8)
The leper in the Gospel, also had lost everything in his life just like the Israelites in the first reading. They were made outcast. They had to wear particular dress. They had to walk with a bell in their hand and call themselves “unclean, unclean”. The worst was they were debarred from the rituals and temple services. Many believed that the leprosy was a result of sin. (Leviticus 13) The lepers too had no presence of God in their lives. But interestingly, the leper pleaded for mercy. So much so that Jesus was moved with pity. Jesus broke the Jewish laws and touched him. The leper was cured and began to proclaim Christ. It shows that the leper was back into the community.
Hophni-Phinehas, sons of Eli and the leper had only one difference in their hopeless life; a repentant heart. Do we plead to God for mercy when we are truly repentant of our sins? If yes, Jesus chooses to make you whole.
Fr Alex D’Mello
