Back to School

Pause

A new school year is like a clean slate, waiting for you to write your new experiences, new growth, and new learning upon it.

As you begin again, consider what new things Jesus might want to do with you in the coming weeks, months, and year.

Listen

Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your home, you didn’t give me water for my feet, but she wet my feet with tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has poured perfumed oil on my feet. This is why I tell you that her many sins have been forgiven; so she has shown great love. The one who is forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other table guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this person that even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Luke 7:44-50

Think

What are we supposed to think when the “right” kind of people are actually NOT the ones we’re supposed to be watching? It’s an important kind of lesson. Here is Simon, a religious leader. Here is a woman, a sinner. And it’s the woman, not Simon, to whom Jesus calls our attention.

When Jesus says “see,” we need to see. We need to pay attention. Look closely at the behavior and actions of the person Jesus points to. Sink that image into your soul.

This woman seeks to meet Jesus’ needs over and over: pouring Jesus water, spilling tears out of pure joy at seeing Jesus, tripping over her feet to help him, using precious perfumed oil to clean Jesus’ sandy feet.

When Jesus says “see,” we need to do more than see. We need to do. Jesus is asking you to see something and to do something. What is it?

When you walk into the hallway at school, open your eyes. Really SEE something — see someone in need of the generous and elaborate love Jesus asks of us.

Gina Yeager-Buckley

Pray

Dear God, as I make my way into this next week of school, of life, help me to SEE. Help me to see those who are in need of love and attention. Help me to see those who might need a generous response or a loving action. Help me to see with an expanded heart and sense of justice and to acknowledge your invitation to DO. Thank you, God, for loving me, for seeing me. Amen.

Go

God has been there from the beginning of all time and is with you in each new beginning.

May the God who makes things new bless you and keep you.

May Jesus’ love shine upon you and through you.

May the Holy Spirit bring you peace.