WHAT'S HAPPENING

The Gospel called Mark wants to set a tone of direct action and quick response in this story. Mark shows an absence of dragging feet and suggests a sense of urgency. Jesus gets things done. From Mark's perspective, whatever happens around Jesus, the response is always immediate. "Immediately" is a favorite action word in the first chapter of Mark. After the baptism of Jesus, the Spirit immediately drives him out into the wilderness (Mark 1:12). When Jesus calls Simon and Andrew to be disciples, they immediately leave their nets to follow him (verse 18). Going a little farther, Jesus sees James and John. He immediately calls them (verse 20). When Jesus touches the leper and repeats the healing formula, immediately the leprosy leaves the sufferer (verse 42).

In the present…