Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 7th July and for the week ahead:Scripture:'He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.' (Mark 6:7-9 & 12-13)Reflection:Jesus sends out the disciples, giving them authority to do things. But he sends them off empty-handed! “Take nothing for the journey.”! Now that seems pretty counter-cultural! By today’s standards Jesus’ instruction appears cavalier at best, and down-right reckless at worst! Why did Jesus say this?!We need to combine Jesus’ teaching and some words from the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians, Chp 12) where he says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. I am content with weaknesses….; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”When we feel strong in our own abilities; when we feel strong in our own resources: then we are tempted to do God’s work on our own…without needing to involve God! That leads to failure.When we are weak; when we allow God to fill us with His power (his Holy Spirit), then we are stronger than we could ever be on our own!Revd David
Reflection on 2 Corinthians 8.7-15If the willingness is there the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.Our desire is not for others to be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there should be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.In the decades after the resurrection of Jesus there was a devastating famine, causing terrible suffering, particularly in Jerusalem. Paul is writing to the various churches to ask for their support for their starving fellow Christians.Whereas the Corinthians were slow to respond, when the much poorer Christians in Macedonia heard what was happening in Jerusalem they gave all they could, actually contributing more than the relatively wealthy Corinthians.It is a fact that people who have very little themselves are often the most generous givers. We cannot claim to be ignorant of the many desperately needy in our own society and elsewhere. As Paul says, we are not called to impoverish ourselves through our giving, but we are called to give what we can to help those less fortunate than ourselves. The fact that we cannot answer every call for help is not a reason to do nothing.‘Freely you have received, freely give’ ( Matt.10.8)Revd Rosemary
