Wednesday 22 January
Presence
As I enter this time of prayer, I become aware of my breath that is God’s life-sustaining gift to me. I allow myself to breathe a little more slowly, deeply and gently for a couple of moments.
Freedom
Lord, grant me the grace to be free from the excesses of this life. Let me not get caught up with the desire for wealth. Keep my heart and mind free to love and serve You.
Consciousness
As I spend this time with You, Lord,
I am aware of how blessed I truly am.
I think of the love and graces in my life,
and I feel grateful.
The Word of God
Mark 3:1-6 NRSVue1Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2They were watching him to see whether he would cure him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” 4Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
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Inspiration
In all the healing scenes in the gospels the Pharisees never seem to show any compassion for the afflicted person. To them the sick were sinners who deserved their ailment. But Jesus will not allow their narrow attitudes to prevent him from doing good. Do we sometimes allow the critical attitudes of others to stop us from helping and loving those in need?
We ask for the courage to do the right thing, and to follow our conscience regardless of what others may think of us.
Conversation
Dear Jesus, I can open up my heart to You.
I can tell You everything that troubles me.
I know You care about all the concerns in my life.
Teach me to live in the knowledge
that You who care for me today,
will care for me tomorrow and all the days of my life.
Conclusion
Filled with the loving presence of God,
I ask Him to bless me and guide my steps
as I go to do His work in my daily life.
Amen
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