Monday 9 September 2024

Today is Monday the 9th of September, the feast of Saint Peter Claver SJ, in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King and Hillside Recording sing a version of ‘Gratitude’. Can you make these your own words today? Jesus Thank You Jesus All my words fall short I've got nothing new How could I express All my gratitude? I could sing these songs As I often do But every song must end And You never do So I lift up my hands And praise You again and again 'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah Hallelujah And I know it's not much But I've nothing else fit for a King Except for a heart singing hallelujah Hallelujah I've got one response I've got just one move With my arms stretched wide I will worship You So I lift up my hands And praise You again and again 'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah Hallelujah And I know it's not much But I've nothing else fit for a King Except for a heart singing hallelujah Hallelujah Oh hallelujah Hallelujah, ah Come on, my soul Don't you get shy on me Lift up your song You've got a lion inside of those lungs Get up and praise the Lord I will praise the name Jesus So I lift up my hands And praise You again and again 'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah Hallelujah And I know it's not much But I've nothing else fit for a King Except for a heart singing hallelujah Hallelujah Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 6:6-11 On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. As you pray today, try watching this Sabbath scene as it unfolds. Imagine that you are peeping through the doorway of the synagogue. What do you see? Imagine now that you are walking with Jesus as he enters the synagogue… Try taking in the atmosphere as you look around. What can you hear? Notice the man with the withered hand… what does he look like? Imagine how this ailment might have affected his life? Now watch Jesus as he notices this man. What is his facial expression like as he invites the man to “come and stand here.” As you listen to the reading again, continue to watch the scene play out as if you are there. Jesus invites the man to “Stretch out his hand.” Watch the man do this…notice how is arm is healed… Notice also how his demeanour changes… Despite the fury and discussion in the synagogue, can you also share in the joy of this healing with the man. Take a moment as you end your prayer today, ask Jesus for his healing touch in your life today. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.