Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Wednesday, December 9

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
Luke 9:1-2

Several of our residents at Artman had a lively discussion about this verse with me. What follows is from the wisdom of our elders.

One resident observed that there are things which “sit on our shoulders” or dwell “in the pit of our stomachs.” In the end, these things hurt and even destroy us. It is the power of Jesus that frees us from these “demons” of anger, helplessness, grief, guilt, fear, intolerance, injustice, lack of trust, and selfishness.

I asked the residents about the “kingdom of God” which the disciples were sent to proclaim. They shared that this proclamation was centered in the forgiveness and peace God gives to us. Trusting that God yearns to help us, we find what we need to handle all those things in life which are so difficult. God brings the healing and peace we need. It is the very opposite of the “demons” which seek to demand our attention.

The disciples were called to proclaim this forgiveness and peace. And we are called to do this, too. We share the Kingdom of God through the way in which we treat others, wherever we find ourselves in life. The residents shared that they through listening to the sorrows of others, giving support, praying for one another, being a friend, and welcoming the new resident.

Our proclamation doesn’t always have to be something spectacular. You don’t have to be rich and powerful, or eloquent and able-bodied to do this work. God calls each one of us to share God’s love in whatever way we can.

Loving God, help us share your love through the ways we treat others with compassion, patience and prayer. Amen.

Rev. Linda Hatcher is Chaplin at Artman.