The ark had brought victory many times to the Israelites, but apparently it was now reduced almost to something like a “lucky charm” instead of being regarded as the very place where God dwelt among his people.
It is a sad thing when something sacred becomes profane; the sacred should engender great respect, awe, and humble openness to it.
It, apparently, was now being used instead of being respected.
It is not unlike a modern day Christian with a cross around their neck as they go out to do evil and to sin, thinking that simply having a cross around their neck would protect them.
Rather, that cross should transform them into goodness and love, and the doing of right things.
Alas! Israel was about to learn, once again, the cost of their empty and frivolous faith.
+ In contrast to this story, Mark presents Jesus located in a deserted place and yet, people kept coming to him.
One such person was a leper — that is, someone who Jesus was cut off from his community and family, and had to live alone because of his contagious and sickening disease.
But the man had faith, as he clearly uttered the words to Jesus, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”
A rather bold thing to say, but he said it. And Jesus replied immediately (moved with pity or compassion), “I do will it. Be made clean.”
Jesus told him to go to the priests who could and would pronounce him clean, giving him total permission to return to his family and community; while at the same time, giving confidence to the people that he was indeed clean and safe to embrace once again.
But Jesus attached a stern warning —
“See that you tell no one anything.”
Why tell him this?
It is not simply clear, but what was emphasized could be said to be like the saying, “The proof is in the pudding.”
Or, in other words, in showing yourself to the priests, that will be enough for all to understand what has just happened.
But, the man could not control himself.
Overjoyed? Knocked off his feet because of what just happened?
Blessed beyond belief, and so this truth and the joy of this truth simply could not be contained?
Perhaps all of the above. In any case, this healed leper became a great evangelizer of the Good News.
But another answer could be that Mark was using a device in his writing, for Jesus says the same thing on multiple occasions, “Don’t tell anyone anything!”
And for you and me the reader, this almost spoken secret becomes the very revelation of Jesus and his works.
Some say that was Mark’s intention.
But others say it was Jesus’ intention, lest he become a mere sensation rather than a source of great faith.
Maybe, not unlike the story of the ark — rather than to be an authentic presence of God among his people, it became a mere sensationalized “thing” also, not unlike the cross hung around the neck of one who at the same time did depraved and sinful things.
And once again, we are being asked to have eyes that see, ears that hear, hearts that love!
Father Perry Dean Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com.
