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REFLECTION
Re-Engaging
by Judy Webb
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38)
For many months our businesses were shut down due to the pandemic. We did without shopping, or dining at our favorite restaurant. Many of our places of employment told us to stay home and work remotely. Most of us even had to give up worshipping together in person. During this time, we became accustomed to online services, chatting in the chat boxes, and holding meetings over a Zoom connection. We were forced to disengage in life as we knew it.
Now, as we are reentering the world, businesses are open and restaurants and movie theaters, gas stations and fitness centers want our business. But everywhere you look are ‘help-wanted’ signs in windows. Bonuses are offered if you come to work at many of the fast-food restaurants. So many opportunities to find work, but so few workers.
Now, put this scenario into a new perspective. This time we have just been through has been difficult but filled with opportunity to minister to each other. Now that we are mostly back together again, it is time to do what we couldn’t for many weeks and months. It is time to reach out to touch each other’s lives. It is time to let people know that you’ve been praying for them.
Others, who don’t know Jesus yet or need to get to know him better, can be invited to come to church with you. Or maybe invite them to your small group, or simply over for dinner. We have a tremendous opportunity to care for each other. Just remember what it was like when we were kept from community by the quarantine. Isolation is over and we can now come together. It is time to be a people driven by love, never forgetting the difficult days but allowing them to motivate us to life anew.
The Harvest is plentiful!
PRAYER PRACTICE
Prayer Journal – Today, help us to identify those who are ready to hear about Jesus. Holy Spirit, point us in the right directions and instill a courageous spirit in us. It is time to give our testimony and share the Good News.
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