Today’s Reflection
I believe that it is God’s nature to heal, that is, to continue creating us to be the unique persons God intends. When we are sick; when disaster strikes; when we are buffeted by betrayal, tragedy, abuse, or our own sin; when we are oppressed by distorted social systems, God’s desire is to redeem, transform, and make new. We are saved, redeemed, and born again not just once but repeatedly through out our lives as we are invited to grow in grace. This growth continues whether we are old or young, renegade or saintly, overtly suffering or feeling pretty well. We can trust that God is always inviting us to the next step in our growth and healing, even at death. At every stage, age, and circumstance in our lives, God nudges us to grow and change.
—Tilda Norberg, Gathered Together: Creating Personal Liturgies for Healing and Transformation (Upper Room Books, 2007)
Today’s Question
How are you comforted by the idea that healing is a part of God’s continuous work? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
—Mark 6:56 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Great are you, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is your power, and your understanding is beyond measure.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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5 Comments
I must believe this and cling to it. God is bringing about ultimate good and ultimate healing. I must conform my mind, despite circumstances, to trust and be open to His molding, pruning, perfecting transformation. Have Thine own way, Lord.
It is so pleasant to face only a two day week, with an expanse of time to follow.
Dad came over yesterday afternoon and we enjoyed the game together. My friend made him some pumpkin bread, chock full of walnuts and raisins…right up his alley. We made plans to spend some time together Thanksgiving afternoon. We are going way off the traditional grid – he is going to order in Italian on Wednesday night for our Thanksgiving meal. I love it! Hopefully the weather will be dry so we can take a walk together.
Somehow our team pulled off the win last night and we sit alone at the top! I think the other team was stunned. They brought their top players, even stacked their lineup – and we still pulled it out. Playoffs are set for two weeks – but we will see if they actually happen.
It’s been quiet here…may those who have been absent know they are held dear by our Great God.
Knowing that God heals gives me hope. I will be made anew. Scars may be visible. I will be able to give thanks to God and bring glory to God. The focus is not on me. I am blessed.
Good morning, all. It’s good to be back. As we follow Jesus, I give thanks that God takes us as we are, but does not leave us there. I find comfort in this; God’s comfort brings healing and peace. I rest in this ( I try anyway).
My tooth feels better, as antibiotic is working on the infection, which has reduced pain and swelling. I still have some swelling, but have not needed pain meds today. Praise God. David is recovering from his fall and is resuming some of his activities. We are thankful.
Jill, when my extending family gathers for Thanksgiving, we have a catered Italian spread. We won’t have a big gathering this year. Hopefully next year. I pray you and Larry enjoy your time together. I too look forward to a 4 day weekend. I pray all our regulars are well. Please be safe. everyone. Love you all and wish blessings to all.
Today is one of those days (overcast, gray, chilly, and rainy) when every sentence of this reflection speaks wonderful words of encouragement and truth. Yes, Lord, You heal again and again in every way possible.
People might ask, where was the healing when a person died? The body is temporary, the soul is not. What is seen is here one day and gone the next, The soul, unseen and vastly more important, is what counts. Being able to heal the soul is what God does better than anyone else. Thank You, Lord.
Have been there, Jill, it happens every year of teaching, the anticipation of a shorter week, a holiday, time off. It will repeat again when the Christmas-New Year break comes. When you are a teacher plans, prep,, teaching, grading are never ending until the school year is over.If you will teach the next year, it continues. There is fun in teaching, it’s not drudgery, but there is an aspect that says, ok. enough, time for a break.
The love of competition is firmly implanted in you, Great that your team won. As a hockey team manager I can identify with that. Hope everyone is Covid safe, that’s a more important concern.
Not a traditional year, why not try a nontraditional Thanksgiving dinner!
I share your concern for those who are absent here, miss their posts, comments, and life sharing.
Trying to finish the café-grill car, one car side is taking longer than it should. Good progress on the new mail-express cars. Have the trucks needed for one car done and improved trucks for the second car on the way. A different medium, urethane, for the mail-express cars makes cutting off the flash, uneeded material. tedious. Thankfully it’s doable, have to be slow and careful.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Despite the pandemic, economic downturn, tough situations faced by many, we have things to be thankful for. God is ever present.
That is one way of getting through a difficult situation or health crisis, knowing that God will heal us in some manner. He will use the circumstances to change us: our bodies, our souls, our faith, etc. It can give solace and hope.
Prayers for Jill and Larry as they continue to be cautious. Megan is getting Little Ceaser’s pizza on Wednesday for her Thanksgiving meal and I will have ravioli I ordered online. I wonder why we have the traditional feast if no one particularly cares for the food.
Prayers for Gail and her family, may they stay safe.
Prayers for Ally and David and prayers of thanksgiving for a healing and much less sore tooth and continued healing from a fall with renewing of normal activities. God does heal bodies at times.
Prayers for Robert and his family as Thanksgiving nears, may they all be safe and well.
I feel more like myself today, even yesterday I felt much better. I guess the next big shot for all of us is the virus vaccine, may it be effective and available to all soon.
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