Thoughts for the Day
Friday, 11th December 2020: Life is more than food and drink
Spiritually Ember Days John 4
Reading : Verses from John, Chapter 4
Meanwhile the disciples were urging Jesus, 'Rabbi, eat something.' But he said to them, 'I have food to eat that you do not know about.' So the disciples said to one another, 'Surely no-one has brought him something to eat?' Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, "Four months more and then comes the harvest"? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.'
(Church in Wales Lectionary, from New Revised Standard Version)
Thoughts
Today is another Ember Day (see Ember days) and this little episode in John's Gospel reminds us that we need both physical and spiritual food. Jesus has just met the Samaritan woman at the well, itself unusual a Jewish man would rarely speak to a woman on her own. He has an amazing conversation with her, listening to her and answering her questions. He speaks about the 'living water' that God can give, and ends with telling her he is the Messiah.
The disciples are concerned that he should eat some food, but Jesus has been so refreshed by doing God's will and engaging with the woman, that he wants them to know that there is more to life than food. We are not just physical beings and Jesus points out that there is a great need for people to be fed spiritually.
In this lead up to Christmas can we help others? Our world is crying out for spiritual nourishment at this time. For example, who can we listen to; Who can we encourage; who can we support emotionally; and who can we pray for?
Prayer
Lord God,
we see the sick, the worried,
and the lonely around us.
Show us how to help others,
feeding them and ourselves spiritually,
and keeping close to You
at all times.
Amen.
Jesus says that we are both physical and spiritual beings, and we need to be fed physically and spiritually. He also points out that the 'harvest is plentiful' - there are people all around us who need to be fed spiritually.
We are not all missionaries, and can find it difficult to talk to others about God, but here are some simple things you can do to help those around you learn about God:
- Send a Christian Christmas card to those you know.
- Give an occasional book to a child with a story based on the bible.
- Put a crib scene in a window where others can see it.
- Pray for those in need and distress, and tell them "I'm praying for you!"
- Answer any questions about your faith (and your doubts) as honestly as you can.
- Listen to those who have a need, without talking about yourself.