Daily Prayer: a resource of Forward Movement

The Forward Day by Day Meditation for July 27, 2013

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SATURDAY, July 27

Mark 6:1-13. And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.

What a contrast, in just a few verses. Yesterday the bleeding woman merely touched Jesus’ garment, and Jesus’ power streamed into her. Today he is home, and those who watched him grow up ask, “Just who do you think you are?” and the Son of God is stopped in his tracks, like Superman when he is exposed to kryptonite.

My field education rector preached on this passage a year ago, and I was spellbound by his ending. He asked, “If Jesus came to All Saints, would he be able to do deeds of power?” Then the rector got even more personal, asking, “If Jesus came to you, would he be able to deeds of power?”

Oh, how I hope so. I’m not sure how to have the faith that allows Jesus to perform deeds of power, but I can see what kind of behavior does. It is hopeful, brave actions that seem to open the way for Jesus to work; and it is arrogant, fear-based behavior that seems to block the way.

Lord, teach us not to fear the change you bring. Teach us to reach out to touch your garment.

Tuesday's meditation incorrectly attributed the quote "There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us" to Nelson Mandela. Mandela was quoting Marianne Williamson from her book Return to Love. We apologize for this oversight.

PRAY for the Diocese of Peterborough (Canterbury, England)

Today the Church remembers William Reed Huntington, Priest, 1909.

Ps 55 * 138, 139:1-17(18-23); 2 Samuel 1:1-16; Acts 15:22-35