11th January 2023
HAVE CONFIDENCE IN JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 104(105):1-4,6-9
Mark 1:29-39
Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus’ disciples freely brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness that they encountered. When Simon brought Jesus to his home, his mother-in-law was instantly healed because Jesus heard Simon’s prayer. Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and healer in your personal life, family, and community? Approach the Lord with expectant faith. God’s healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he can’t set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you?
Dear brethren, the Gospel of the day brings up the importance for us of availability. As a faith community, we are invited to be available to those who are in genuine need. At the same time, there is what we might call the ‘poverty of availability’. We need to find a balance between people’s needs and our limited resources. We do not help people by working ourselves to the point of ‘burnout’. Having quality time with God, to pray, reflect and renew our energy is central. Jesus gives us an excellent example here by going away to a deserted place to pray. Let us remember to stay close to the source of all love.
Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver from harm. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set us free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder us from giving ourselves wholly to you and to your service. Lord, deliver us from seeking your help only in times of difficulty. May we grow in grateful love for the ways you daily raise us up and call us to the service of the community.
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