Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Jesus’ authority to forgive and heal
Bible Reading: St. Mark 2:1-12

V1 ‘A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left,’ 

DEVOTION

As Jesus said at the outset of his ministry, 'The kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" (1:15). The prophets too had called for the people to "return" (swb) in order that they might know God's compassion and forgiveness. 
In his house at Capernaum, Mark presents a picture of hospitality. Jesus opened his home to friends and strangers alike, so he could discuss the God's Kingdom. The effect was twofold. First, Jesus welcomed all. Secondly, the approach of the ones who resisted Jesus’ teachings was displayed on site. Their position as experts in the Law gave them the power of judgments (i.e., declaring God's will) in community life.
In his house at Capernaum, Jesus takes this process in his sense of priority, in touching the paralytic with healing and then forgiveness. The man was restored to his community with honor.  Christ’s ministry gave life to the man and his community. Christ calls us to reconciliation. God extends an invitation to a restored life with God and neighbor.
Martha Spong on Reflectionary opines that, "Sometimes I wish someone would do this for me, put me right in the middle of it with Jesus, put me right in front of his face and make it so he will look me in the eye and see me and fix what is wrong with me.” Let us be the Church that helps our fellow humans to face Christ, his life

PRAYER

Lord, help us to forgive our sins and reach out in reconciliation. Help us to catch a glimpse of you in others. Amen
Thought for the day
“Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart.” Robert Pierce

Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas
Marthoma Church of Washington

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more