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01-30-2007, 06:24 AM
Meditation
Mark 5:21-43
Readings
Feelings. We all have them. Sometimes they get in the way of our simple obedience to the will of God. But sometimes they give us direct access to the Father’s mind and heart.
In today’s gospel, Jesus was in touch with his feelings and responded to the feelings of those around him. He saw Jairus’ deep concern for his daughter. In the midst of a crowd of people, he felt that power had gone out from him and looked around to see who had touched him in search of healing. His sensitivity enabled him to make life-giving contact with the woman’s feelings.
The woman with the hemorrhage managed to overcome her negative feelings. She was timid, painfully aware of being ill, defiled and ostracized. When Jesus called her forward, she came in fear and trembling (Mark 5:33). Yet she didn’t let these feelings hold her back from reaching out to touch the only One who could heal her, and from responding to the invitation that brought her into a warm relationship with him.
We too have feelings arise spontaneously throughout the day. Sometimes we recognize them as distractions or saboteurs seeking to turn us aside from the path of life. We know we should speak a truthful word, but we’re afraid of the reaction we’ll get. Anger arises when we’re thwarted, even if the other person never intended to harm us. Forgetting the Spirit’s promise to empower us, we feel inadequate to a task.
However, many of our feelings come from our loving Father. Someone comes to mind and we feel led to pray for his needs. We notice a lonely person on the edges of a party and feel drawn to welcome her. Another’s sorrow touches us deeply, and we offer comfort. A friend gets a promotion and we rejoice. These responses align us with God’s compassion, and that only makes sense. After all, Jesus shared our human feelings and now animates them with his life-changing power. So pay attention to your feelings today, and see how God can make them channels of his healing love.
Jesus, you came to share and transform our human condition. I offer you my thoughts and feelings, the people and situations I will encounter today. Put me in touch with your love so that I can communicate it to those I meet.
Hebrews 12:1-4; Psalm 22:26-28,30-32
--Onine Christian Daily Devotion
Mark 5:21-43
Readings
Feelings. We all have them. Sometimes they get in the way of our simple obedience to the will of God. But sometimes they give us direct access to the Father’s mind and heart.
In today’s gospel, Jesus was in touch with his feelings and responded to the feelings of those around him. He saw Jairus’ deep concern for his daughter. In the midst of a crowd of people, he felt that power had gone out from him and looked around to see who had touched him in search of healing. His sensitivity enabled him to make life-giving contact with the woman’s feelings.
The woman with the hemorrhage managed to overcome her negative feelings. She was timid, painfully aware of being ill, defiled and ostracized. When Jesus called her forward, she came in fear and trembling (Mark 5:33). Yet she didn’t let these feelings hold her back from reaching out to touch the only One who could heal her, and from responding to the invitation that brought her into a warm relationship with him.
We too have feelings arise spontaneously throughout the day. Sometimes we recognize them as distractions or saboteurs seeking to turn us aside from the path of life. We know we should speak a truthful word, but we’re afraid of the reaction we’ll get. Anger arises when we’re thwarted, even if the other person never intended to harm us. Forgetting the Spirit’s promise to empower us, we feel inadequate to a task.
However, many of our feelings come from our loving Father. Someone comes to mind and we feel led to pray for his needs. We notice a lonely person on the edges of a party and feel drawn to welcome her. Another’s sorrow touches us deeply, and we offer comfort. A friend gets a promotion and we rejoice. These responses align us with God’s compassion, and that only makes sense. After all, Jesus shared our human feelings and now animates them with his life-changing power. So pay attention to your feelings today, and see how God can make them channels of his healing love.
Jesus, you came to share and transform our human condition. I offer you my thoughts and feelings, the people and situations I will encounter today. Put me in touch with your love so that I can communicate it to those I meet.
Hebrews 12:1-4; Psalm 22:26-28,30-32
--Onine Christian Daily Devotion