I wondered if our bug friend would enjoy toast so placed a small piece nearby. Sure enough, the bug moved to the toast and started nibbling it. We were both amazed. So, I placed a piece of melon next to the toast. The bug seemed to enjoy that too.
Andy looked at me and commented that as the bug had joined us for breakfast, they should have a name. He chose “Flo”. The name changed a stranger to a friend — suddenly they had an identity. Flo hung around for quite a while before flying to explore new regions.
Interestingly, as I read the lectionary this morning, names were the first thing I noticed. Or should I say the lack of them!
The text tells the stories of two women (Mark 5: 21-end). Neither were named. One is identified only by her male parent, the other by her disability. It made me quite sad, neither was deemed important enough to be given their own identity, their name.
The text also speaks of life transitions. The younger was twelve, just on the brink of womanhood, making a transition into the next stage of life. The other woman was also ready to make a life transition as she yearned for menopause and the fruitfulness of that stage.
An important time for both of them — but not significant enough to give them a name!
Both needed healing. Others sought it for the young girl, the older wiser woman sought it for herself. Both were healed and onlookers were “overcome by amazement (42)”.
This morning, as I read the stories, I, too, am amazed. Not at the magnitude of the healings but that Jesus cared enough actually to see these unnamed women and tend to their needs. I rejoice in that and hope that I, too, will see those who are invisible.
