In the text this week, we witness Jesus extending friendship and relational presence to all sorts of people. Each person is experiencing vastly different life circumstances and varying degrees of control over these circumstances.
Mysteriously, the presence of Jesus makes people feel welcomed, like they belong. His presence, his touch, brings life, healing and wholeness.
For many years, this painting by Cornelis Monsma graced the spiritual direction space at our ministry center. You are invited to follow the link and pray with the image and the scripture text.
Perhaps you might be imagining your deep yearning for life, for wholeness, for healing – for yourself or another. Maybe you can sense how your body is carrying this longing inside of you. Take your time to sense freshly and describe what that longing feels like within you now.
Amidst the crowd of scorners and mockers, you might find the courage to own your desire, asking for the grace you long for.
May you discover anew the One who sees you, knows you, understands your suffering.
Go slow.
Take your time.
Allow yourself to be seen – your longings for more life to be as they are.
Linger there in the presence of Jesus just as you are.
You belong here with him.
Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26 (ESV)
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that ‘shimmered’ as you listened? Allow it to land in your heart. Stay with it. Savor it.
Reflect on what you heard. What effect does it have on you? What meaning does it hold for you? What does the Holy Spirit seem to be conveying to you? Talk it over in your prayer. Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer or journal the conversation.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some moments of quiet with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.