(a Steve Orr scripture reflection)
His last request: Please take my body home.
In the all-too-brief miracle that was the Firefly television show, there was a lot of excellence crammed into just 14 episodes. All of the show’s fans have their favorite episodes. So, in a sense, every episode was the best. One particular episode, though, appears on everyone’s short list: “The Message.”
In it, the crew of the spaceship Serenity are asked to transport a dead man home to his family and his final resting place. They had served with him in the war; and in their memories, he was still Private Tracey. The request comes as a message he recorded in preparation for his death. They agree once they hear the recorded voice repeat a saying they know from their military past: “When you can’t run, you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, you find someone to carry you.”
When I read this week’s scripture from Mark, I thought of that Firefly episode, especially that saying about running, crawling, and being carried. Jesus and team had been actively healing people and sharing the good news. They needed a break. Hoping to get away for a little downtime, they sailed out into the sea looking for a quieter place to go ashore. But when they dropped anchor, the crowds were already gathered, waiting.
As before, many ill people came to Jesus for healing. Those who couldn’t get there any other way were carried into His presence. I can’t help but believe the lyrics of The Hollies hit song “He Ain’t Heavy”—which seemed to be about carrying wounded soldiers to safety—would resonate with those who did the carrying. The needs of their friends and family members were so great, they begged that Jesus would allow them to touch just “the fringe of His cloak.” Apparently, they had all heard about the woman who was healed by touching the hem of His garment.
People had to wonder if that story was true. Perhaps just so much talk? Was that all that was needed to be healed, just to touch his garment? Did you first have to sit through a sermon? Did Jesus have to grab your head and shout? Was there a 12-step program to complete in advance? Perhaps a statement of faith to declare? A pre-interview?
No.
Scripture tells us: "All who touched it were healed." They just needed to get there, to do as Private Tracey reminded his former comrades-in-arms: “When you can’t run, you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, you find someone to carry you.”
How far would you travel to meet Jesus? What would you do to ensure you make that encounter? When it’s Jesus you’re going to see, you just need to get there—any way you can.
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