Scripture:
Mark 1: 29-34
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
Five-minute Story:
Fifty-eight years before, it would have been impossible to walk along the same trail in Volcano National park, Hawaii. Instead of the lush rainforest that surrounded my family and me, there would have been a shower of fire. In 1959, a fiery display of raw eruptive power formed the Kilauea Iki crater. No creature alive could have withstood the intense volcanic heat of nature’s primal forces.
On the day of our hike, however, the story was a lot different. An abundance of life, flowers, and tropical fauna comprised the greenery that lined the descending path. As we walked the first half mile of the crater trail, we were in a jungle of sorts. Our eyes saw the vast crater only after we left the rim path. A colossal lava lake spread before us. In a moment, the vibrant forest with its chlorophyll rich carpet disappeared. Instead, we faced what appeared to be the surface of a distant planet void of life. The trail turned from soft dirt to sharp lava rock. Caution was needed, less a careless step should cause a foot to stumble. The rock was razor sharp and would readily cause a leg to gash open.
Hiking on the uneven surface of the hardened lava was quite the adventure. Carefully, we trekked across the crater of uncaring frozen magma. Occasionally, we passed steam vents that allowed the escape of subterranean gases. It was an otherworldly experience.
As I think of it now, our descent into the volcano is all too familiar from a metaphorical perspective. How often do I find life itself suddenly shift from growth to danger, from abundance to scarcity, from hope to despair? All too often, life is not a carefree stroll in the park but rather a careful trek along uneven and cutting fragments of uncontrollable destruction. Below the hardened and unforgiving surface lies forces beyond our control that can erupt at any time.
In the days to come, we will be walking in the harder places of life. Stories of Jesus’ healing ministry will accompany each day of our 40-day spiritual trek. The gospel of Mark will provide the backdrop for our reflection and holy wondering. Instead of jumping around, we will read through the healing stories of Mark as they appear. Through stories (Mark’s and mine), I seek connections with God’s peace that exceeds our limited understanding. Lord knows life can seem all too complicated, hard, unfair, dangerous, and uncertain. We can all use some glimpses of God’s care, grace, and love.
Back to the Kilauea Iki crater hike. In the midst of the crater’s inhospitable landscape, I spied a single sprout. Not a botanist, I could not identify this tiny plant. But there it was. On what appeared to be a slag pile, a small sign of life opened to the sky. Fragile. Beautiful. Vulnerable. Resilient. No doubt a tiny seed was swept into a crevice. There it took root and began to grow. How long it will continue is anyone’s guess. Still, it is a glimpse of hope. Even the desert will bloom, and lava crusted lakes will harbor life. In the most unlikely and difficult of places, God creates anew.
Reflection Questions:
Where in your life do you need God to lift you up? How does your brokenness prevent you from fully participating in community? What is preventing you from serving others?