Advent reading
Psalm 67; Isaiah 56:1-8; John 5:33-36
"For all of recorded history there seem to have been people who didn't quite fit, (by society's view) either because of poverty, or disability, or nationality, or age - those so beaten down by abuse, or struggle, or scorn that they seem paralyzed, without the will to change or be changed. We have come to think of them as outsiders - the hopeless homeless, the alcoholics, the aged, the single mothers, the chronically ill or crippled, whole families dying of famine on parched continents, or decimated by genocide. Have we forgotten that Jesus himself, in his manner of birth, was also a misfit? (Luci Shaw, God With Us)
Jesus asks, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life.
Matthew 11:28, The Message
Jesus continues to invite...Come to Me.
Forgive me, Jesus, for instinctively shunning those who don't quite fit my preconception of propriety or responsibility. As I gather with others at the stable - shepherds and sages - forgive me for being so absorbed in my own concerns that I ignore the deep needs of others. May your loving, restorative Spirit find a home in me. Show me, today, someone whom I can love and embrace in your name.
Amen
(Prayer by Luci Shaw, God With Us)
10 comments:
this really hits home for me. my husband and i have a friend that recently entered a long term care facility. we've gone to visit him a couple of times and i make sure to greet each person i come across. those that are forgotten, rejected, broken hearted, lonely (the list goes on); these are the ones with whom we need to be the hands and feet of Jesus. it's easier to remember in a setting like this, but i need to be cognizant of it in all situations.
thanks and blessings,
terri
Hi Mary,
I surely do say AMEN to that prayer! And I am so loving all of your beautiful journal pages! Have a great weekend Mar!
Hi Mary, Just want to say thank you for your daily posts...I've been popping by and following your Advent readings - a blessing and a lovely way to prepare for the season.
my heart prayer too mary, thank you for having us pause to consider...
merry christmas to you...
xo
Love your art piece Mary, the colours are so rich and wonderful. The art said it all for me today, so glad you shared it
oh yes indeed.
I love this, Mary.
Thanks,
Jennifer
Thank you Mar, my heart longs to love all as He did but I fall so short so many times.....I just need to keep the stable in my forethoughts and remember that the first ones to come see him were outcasts.......
Love you,
a wounded pastor shared with me today how a homeless member of his congregation "the least of these" has come by his home every morning for the past 30 days with a cup of coffee and prayer...thank you for sharing this
Another beautiful message and incredible painting! You are truly a gift.
Oh, Mary. I love your heart and soul.
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