When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.
Luke 17 : 14 - 15
Reading for this week : Luke 17 : 11 - 19
Thought for the week
Our Gospel reading reminds us of how Jesus breaks through into every difficult and seemingly hopeless situation with His love, compassion, healing and hope. The ten ‘lepers’ (they may have had any kind of skin disease) would have been told their situation was beyond help. Forced to live apart, with only each other for support.
Our world is full of troubles today. Scenarios emerging that seem full of suffering and emptiness. Famines, war, climate pain, economic disaster. How much more then do we need to return to Jesus. To humbly throw ourselves at His feet. To praise God for Jesus’ presence, hope and love.
This Harvest it is so important we give thanks, to adjust our vision and open our hearts to the Lord who perseveres with us. Who never gives up on us. Who brings life and healing.
The man who came back to thank Jesus was a Samaritan. Jesus’ power and transforming love speaks through barriers caused by greed, apathy, prejudice, hatred.
Let us praise God ‘with a loud voice’ today for His love that makes all the difference.
Rev Paul
Prayers for this week
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you:
pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself,
and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen
God, the Holy Spirit,
You are the restless wind of love that sweeps through the world.
You blow where you will, breaking down barriers,
Stirring hearts to change, making all things possible.
Make us restless for change – even impossible change.
Come, Spirit of God,
Sweep through our world bringing great change.
May the harvest of your goodness bring justice and hope.
And, for us, transformation in our praying and living,
So all may share in the harvest of your blessings. Amen.
~ posted on the Third Space website. http://third-space.org.uk/blog