A TOUR THROUGH THE TOWNS

PRAYER MOMENT

Saturday 7 December 2013

A TOUR THROUGH THE TOWNS

Pause. Be in God’s presence.

Reading. “Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching and proclaiming the Good news of the kingdom.” (Matt 9:35- 10:1, 6-8)

Reflection.  The people looked “harassed and dejected,” Matthew tells us, “like sheep without a shepherd.” As the whole world mourns the death of Mandela and draws inspiration from him as a shepherd, we can reflect on how much a leader can do. He or she has huge influence for good or ill in our lives. We rejoice when we have good leaders but we also know that they are fragile and can go either way. The message of Advent is that we are not ultimately dependent on them, however good, or bad, they are. We have one “leader” who does not change. He is the same “yesterday, today and forever.” And his “policy” is always the same: to bring life, the reign of God, into the hearts and homes of people everywhere.   

  

Prayer. Lord, we thank you for the life and inspiration of Nelson Mandela. Teach us how to be shepherds in our own way, how to open doors, console those in pain, reconcile those in disputes and encourage each other on our journey.  Amen.