Reflection from Rev Hilary KempLuke 8.1-3 1 After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. (NIV) Reflection Luke 8:1–3 is a short passage that doesn’t seem to have much to say at first but... Jesus was travelling from place to place teaching and sharing the good news, and alongside him were the twelve disciples as well as a group of women who had been helped and healed by him. These women supported Jesus and the disciples from their own resources. I like how this passage quietly shows that everyone had a part to play. Not everyone was doing the same thing, but they were all involved in different ways. Some followed, some travelled, some gave practical support, and some used what they had to help the ministry continue. It’s easy to think that serving God has to involve doing something big or important, but this passage reminds us that simple acts of generosity and support matter too. The women used what they had, and that was valuable. Perhaps that can encourage us to look at what we have—our time, money, skills or simply our willingness to help—and consider how we can use those things to support others and be part of what God is doing. Let us pray, Lord God, defend your Church from all false teaching and give to your people knowledge of your truth, that we may enjoy eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000) (including the Psalter as published with Common Worship), material from which is included here, is copyright ©The Archbishops' Council 2000
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