Tuesday 16 February
Luke 9.1-6
He called them together . . . and he sent them out. In the ebb and flow of Christian life, Jesus to call us to Him, and sends us out. In Didsbury it is easy to meet together in the name of Jesus, to spend time in prayer and praise, receiving instruction. This is a service that the Church provides! Then we can go forth in peace, prepared to do what Jesus asks. He gave them power and authority. . . From time to time the sea recedes further than usual, and a larger wave breaks onto the shore. If you have been on a surf board then you know that the power is not yours! My brief experience meant lying down praying not to fall off, though I did attempt to kneel. We exercise faith in prayer for things beyond our capability. Indeed, Jesus enables and commands us to go outside our comfort zone and make a difference, not just on our knees but standing up and stepping out. Occasionally a bigger wave comes, and standing up is . . . amazing! . . . to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal. Saint Francis sent his companions out to preach the Gospel, and ‘if necessary use words’. The ‘secrets’ of the Kingdom of God come out in Christian answers to questions like: Who are you? Where are you from? What brings you here? Who sent you? Healing is God’s work – ‘being there’ is ours. Saint Luke gives some hints of how Jesus instructed the Twelve. Generally speaking, He advised simplicity. We can serve Jesus today, on-line, 24/7, or choose alternative ways and quiet places. Lent is a good season for experiments in simplicity. Another Lent is passing. Dear Master, let it be, in working or in waiting another Lent with Thee. Andrea Wood St Catherine of Siena
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