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Everyday Contemplative: A Lenten Online Experience
What does it mean to be contemplative? Many of us carry around stereotypical pictures of contemplative Read More
Marilyn Pagán-Banks | Read Luke 4:14-15
Jesus returned to Galilee, and “a report about him spread through all the surrounding country.” Wait, Jesus had been gone forty days and we know he wasn’t livestreaming his experience, so what was in the report? That he had survived all that time in isolation with no food? That not...
Holy Spirit, fill us and use us as we offer ourselves this day as a living testimony of your grace, power, and love. Amen.
How do we feel when we read the word of God? The Israelites rejoice in God’s law. At the time of the restoration of Jerusalem after the return from exile, Ezra reads from the Law and explains its meaning to the people. They respond by holding a feast because understanding God’s teachings is a source of joy. The psalmist says that God’s law revives the soul, causes the heart to rejoice, and helps us to see clearly. Paul continues with his teaching on spiritual gifts, emphasizing that all members of the body of Christ have an important role. No one can claim to be any more important than anyone else. In Luke, Jesus reads from Isaiah and declares that his messianic ministry will focus on justice, mercy, and healing.
Read Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10. When has God’s word overwhelmed you? How did you react?
Read Psalm 19. How do you seek to speak or sing words acceptable to God? How does this shape your life?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a. Within the body of Christ, as within our human bodies, parts compensate for one another. How do you take on more to support the body of Christ when others struggle? How do you allow others to take on your roles when you struggle?
Read Luke 4:14-21. In what ways have you rejected Jesus?
Respond by posting a prayer.
