Reading, Reflection and Prayer

We think about the instruction to the disciples to take nothing with them when Jesus sends them out. No staff, bag, bread, money or extra tunic. Ruth connects this with a recent decision to let go of some things. We have more possessions than we need. What are the spiritual implications of that?

We reflect on the parable of the Sower. Both the way in which worries, riches and pleasure can crowd out spiritual growth and health. And also on the value of perseverance. The good fruit comes as a consequence of faithfully hearing and doing over time. We'd like an instant fix for faith and so this word is encouraging, as it reminds us to stick with following Jesus day by day.

We especially think about the story of Simon the Pharisee and the woman who washes Jesus' feet with her tears. Simon is so short on hospitality that Jesus calls him out on it. We contrast that with the love poured out from the anonymous woman in the story.

Jesus calls Levi and is questioned about why his disciples don't fast. He delivers the Sermon on the Mount. We think about our need to know our spiritual poverty to be able to receive God's blessing. We reflect on how challenging it is to love our enemies and do go to them rather than seeking to get justice or what is fair.

We're reading longer sections of Luke this week. Beginning with the temptation of Jesus, we see that the tool the devil uses to deceive Jesus is the bible! 'It says...' is the strategy of temptation. It's a reminder that we need to read scripture with wisdom and humility, informed by the Holy Spirit. Similarly, the crowd love Jesus when he is saying things that they like, but once he hits a nerve with him, they want to kill him.

The introduction to the ministry of John the Baptist locates us in a real historical event - just like the accounts of Old Testament prophets. The genealogy of Jesus serves a similar purpose of locating Jesus in a particular point of the continuous salvation history of God. We think about the fact that the repentance that John preaches is supposed to look like a changed life, not just a changed heart.

The birth of Jesus and the story of Jesus in the temple as a 12 year old. We reflect that Mary 'treasures these things in her heart' - both at the announcement of the angels and after seeing Jesus in the temple as a child.

John the Baptist is born, and given a name which is unusual for his family. With his birth, Zechariah's speech is restored and he signs a wonderful song of praise and prophecy. This child will prepare the way for the Lord and proclaim the forgiveness of sins.

Gabriel gives Mary some big news, which she accepts humbly. Her cousin is filled with the Holy Spirit when she meets with the pregnant Mary; and Mary responds in a song of praise which reflects the depth of her understanding of what is about to happen through her son.

John the Baptist's birth to a mother who cannot have children is similar to the birth of the prophet Samuel, whose mother is also barren and where an encounter in the temple changes that. Samuel prepare the way for King David and John the Baptist for Jesus. We think about the way that God looks at the heart of Elizabeth and Zechariah as he calls them to this particular role is his salvation history.