Listen

Jesus left that place and went into their synagogue. A man with a withered hand was there. Wanting to bring charges against Jesus, they asked, “Does the Law allow a person to heal on the Sabbath?”

Jesus replied, “Who among you has a sheep that falls into a pit on the Sabbath and will not take hold of it and pull it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! So the Law allows a person to do what is good on the Sabbath.” Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he did and it was made healthy, just like the other one.

Matthew 12:9-13

Think

As my family and I have been staying home together the last few months we have rediscovered the power of a hug, a laugh, an expression of forgiveness, and mercy extended for unmet expectations.

I’m a box checker. I have my list of things to do for the day and I love checking them off my list. Not everyone in my family shares my love for daily productivity. It has been easy to get frustrated when my list of the “things that have to get done” doesn’t get done — by me or others. However, I have been reminded that my gracious and loving responses to my family in those moments are more powerful and healing that any list or expectation they can meet.

When Jesus was faced with the choice of meeting the expectations of others or choosing words and actions that healed — he chose to heal.

Today, may our faith lead us to words and actions that bring healing and restoration to those around us.

Dale Tadlock

Pray

Forgiving God, thank you for choosing grace and mercy when my faith fails me. Help me to value people and not rules or biases that devalue others. Open my eyes to your presence in those around me. Place in me the words that heal and a passion to relate to others in a way that restores the world around me to the “way things should be.” Amen.

Go

To whom might you give the gift of time and presence today?

Go with the assurance of God’s presence, acceptance, and desire to be together with you and those around you.

Go in peace!