Wednesday 25 September 2024

Today is Wednesday the 25th of September in the 25th week of Ordinary Time.

Paul Zach sings, ‘Just a Closer Walk with Thee’.

I am weak, but thou art strong
Jesus, keep me from all wrong
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
Through this world of toil and snares
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
When my feeble life is o'er
Time for me will be no more
Guide me gently, safely o'er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 9:1-6

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

In today’s reading, Jesus is asking his disciples for their complete trust in God for their mission, saying, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, not even an extra tunic.”

As you reflect on your own faith journey, can you remember a time when you needed to trust in God for provision? What was this like?

Perhaps being in a situation like this could bring either a fear of letting go of the things we rely upon, or a new freedom in our reliance on God. Can you relate to these scenarios?

Perhaps this type of dependence on God is a new idea for you. Speak with him now, about your feelings of possibly being called into a situation like this.

As you listen to the reading again, picture these first disciples, travelling from house to house sharing the good news of Jesus and curing diseases of those who welcomed them.

As you come to the end of your prayer, take a few moments to hold out your day ahead before God, perhaps asking for a new adventure together.

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.