Thoughts for the Day

Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The group that followed Jesus was larger than twelve men, and was composed of men and women. Jesus was no longer able to preach in the synagogues because of opposition, so he travelled from village to village talking to people in the fields or at the lakeside in Galilee.

When I took hundreds of people on a pilgrimage over six days from Worcester to Hereford, along country paths and the occasional road, we needed logistical support. Where would we get food and rest? The answer was to source schools and halls to sleep in, as well as to employ a fast food van and portable barbecues, for there were almost no shops around.

So what was the logistical support for Jesus and his disciples? We learn that it was the women who provided for them - Mary Magdalene (who may have had a rather dark past), Joanna (whose husband looked after Caesar's financial interest in Palestine), and Susanna (of whom we know nothing). These women and others could not preach, but they could provide support out of their own money for food and accommodation.

Those who helped Jesus came from all walks of life, rich and poor, and offered what gifts and talents they could to help Jesus spread the Gospel. In the same way today, our churches need to harness all their congregations to work together harmoniously, no-one can be left out whatever their age or circumstance. As we say regularly, "We are one body!" The question is, can we really become one body, and what can each one of us do to make this reality?

Lord Jesus Christ,
You call us as individuals
to follow You,
but You also call us to work
together as one body.
May we never forget that all
have gifts and talents to offer
Your church,
and may we welcome all
who come forward
to engage in this task.
Amen.