Called to Be Healed--Feb. 16, 2019

[From Feb. 12, 2011 archive; adapted from Feb. 10, 2001 Journal]

Lord, you rejoice in your people

as a young man rejoices in his bride.

You call us to you, to be healed.

Sooner or later, the time comes

when you hide your face

and take away our breath.

The time of our departure comes;

we die,

return to dust.

But is your face really hidden then,

or is it just another way

that you call us to you, to be healed?

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 104; 149; 138; 98

Isa. 61:10-62:5

2 Tim. 4:1-8

Mark 10:46-52

Selected Verses

Ps. 104:29

When you hide your face, [your creatures] are dismayed;

            when you take away their breath, they die

            and return to their dust.

Isa. 62:5

For as a young man marries a young woman,

            so shall your builder marry you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,

            so shall your God rejoice over your.

2 Tim. 4:6

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.

Mark 10:49a

Jesus stood still and said, "Call [Bartimaeus] here."