Out of his compassion, Jesus heals people.
Out of his compassion, Jesus sends out people to heal others.
This ministry of compassion continues, as Jesus sends out healers. Pastor Rob offers that although we may not all be medical professionals, Jesus invites all of us into a ministry of healing, namely listening.
An exploration of the connection between healing and listening. Ultimately, Jesus serves as the great healer because he is also the great listener.
In life, we all must climb the first mountain of life. This is the mountain of the self, where we establish ourselves professionally, socially and financially.
Today's Gospel from Matthew (9:9-26) warns us though, to avoid assuming the first mountain is THE mountain of life.
Jesus teaches us about a second mountain, a mountain that is about helping others, rather than getting ahead. This is the mountain he walked along, this is the mountain he died on and this is the mountain upon which he invites us to live.
"...baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
The name of God reveals much about who God is, including the fact that God is always in relationship and that God is always surprising us.
Sounds great, but it turns out though, in real life, relationships often have a great deal of friction. People often surprise us ... with disappointment. So much friction exists in relationships, that people are drawn to frictionless relationships: AI Chat bots.
As we confirm our youth this Sunday, a reflection on how as Christians we find authentic relationships and community in our world. It turns out, we do not need to seek them in imaginary relationships which technology has made deceptively frictionless, but rather in real relationships that require forbearance and forgiveness. The confirmands and all disciples are called to follow the way of Jesus, of forgiveness and forbearance. Yet, the work of reconciliation is not left to us alone, but Jesus surprises us with his forbearance and forgiveness in our lives. All this, that we might have restored relationships with God and each other.
