Scripture:Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. (Matthew 9 35 - 10.1)Reflection:Jesus was traveling to villages and towns, teaching and preaching, He also cured many people who were ill or in need. Jesus recognized how lost, hungry, and alone the people were. Truly, they were sheep without a shepherd. They had no one to tend them or care for them. Jesus then called His twelve disciples. He gave them the power and ability to heal, to drive out unclean spirits and to cure every disease. And today, Jesus also gives us the power to heal by simply reaching out to those in need. So who will we reach out to today? We may heal another person with a touch, with loving words or perhaps by simply giving our full attention to each person we meet. We can all also be mindful of the individuals who share their time and love with us. Compassion is a great gift and one we are blessed to give and receive.Lyn Hayes
Scripture:‘Lord, my longings are sitting in plain sight, my groans an old story to you. My heart’s about to break, I’m a burned out case…..What I do, God, is wait for you, wait for my Lord, my God - you will answer!’ (Psalm 38 v 9& 10, 15) - (The Message translation)Reflection:In this world we live in of instant gratification, waiting for anything is not a popular pastime. It’s hard enough to wait for something we are looking forward to, but when the present is difficult and the future uncertain, waiting for a breakthrough is challenging. We look for things to ease our immediate pain - we don’t want to wait, we want to feel better - now. There are many stories in the bible of people waiting for God to act, for life to change - 116 references in total. Abraham waited 25 years for the baby God promised him. The Israelites waited 40 years to enter the land God promised them. Get comfortable with waiting - it builds strength, character and faith. Your circumstances will not have taken God by surprise. In the space in between, rest, pray and trust. The Creator of the Universe is working all things out for the good of those who love Him. Of this, we can be certain.Vicki Young
