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........................... Spanish
Worship Sunday
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Reflections By
Dr. Richard Reed
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I
was reading Mark’s gospel when I was struck by the realization
that few people in our modern era have truly been outcast.
In Mark’s gospel we read about lepers and how their break
with society came swiftly and totally.
There were no more town meetings, family dinners, or
community gatherings.
Their livelihood now came from begging at the outer edges of
the city. When Jesus encountered a leper he did something unthinkable, he touched him. The leper then hears those words that he has imagined impossible and chooses to be made well. The authority and compassion of Jesus combines to change his life. The man is no longer an outcast, but is once again a part of community life.
Many
people today consider themselves “outcast” if they were snubbed
in school, left out of the “popular crowds,” failed to make the
“most popular” list, or didn’t climb the ladder of success as
quickly as their peers.
Although we may find groups and crowds of people that do not
want to include us in their world, it does not mean that we are
outcasts. An
outcast is someone without any access to a life of faith.
An outcast is someone who doesn’t have anyone who will
accept them just as they are at this moment.
An outcast is someone who cannot possibly be loved because in
the eyes of the world, they are unlovable. The
touch of Jesus upon this leper reminds us that God’s touch is
needed in every heart, and that no one can be removed from God’s
touch.
God accepts us, loves us, and helps us to fulfill our role in
the kingdom.
The touch of God makes us whole and restores within us the
purpose God has for our lives. During this time of year when we prepare for the birth of Jesus, sing songs of peace, and share words of goodwill, let us not forget the touch of God that transforms the world, one life at a time. God’s touch is upon us, upon our St. Andrew’s church family, and upon every person we come contact daily. May the touch of God bring your new life through the One born in Bethlehem. Grace and Peace, Richard
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Archived Messages 07-07-05 07-17-05
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St. Andrew’s UMC | 2045 SE Green Oaks Blvd. | Arlington, TX 76018 | 817.465.3043 |