Stretch Out Your Hand

One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful* on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:1-11

To be fed and restored we have to reach out. Whether we need healing and food, or whether we are acting for a community, it always requires reaching beyond where we are comfortable. We humans often don't like to admit our need and turn away from those who ask for our help. Yet the gift of God's love is an abundance of healing and an abundance to be shared. The religious leaders of the day were angry with Jesus' boldness and barrier breaking, so much so they sought to have him killed. He fed the people and healed their wounds, and we are called to do likewise, in the most uncomfortable and unlikely places. May we have the boldness of love which always reaches out.

Loving Creator, source of fullness and healing

you seek us out when we won't be found

you feed us when we are empty and afraid

and you heal the wounds we are hid from others.

Too often we are afraid to reach out in need

too often we shy away from those who need help

we shut down your compassion and love here

because we are afraid of our weakness and humanity.

Help us today to be bold in our reaching out

may we use your love to reach out to others

may your love empower us to admit our need

and in all moments may we love as you love us. Amen.