Gathering Up Broken Pieces

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. Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, ‘John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he tried to see him. On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.’ But he said to them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said, ‘We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.’ For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, ‘Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:1-17

We all feel inadequate, hurting and broken from time to time. Some of us are struggling with disease and pain, frustrated that all the treatments aren't working. And others have lived through terribly hard times, worried about a child or a family member and feel hopeless, unable to make things better or to keep them safe. Today, we hear about disciples empowered and people healed and fed, with so much let over so that others might be fed and healed as well. Jesus hasn't forgotten about you who are broken, or hungry, or discouraged. Jesus is right here with us, making beauty and wholeness out of what looks to be a mess. Right now, the love of God is moving in us to create new beings able to love again.

A Prayer for the Broken Pieces

Gracious Creator, you know our needs before we ask

and you remake us each day with capacity and beauty.

We feel broken, abandoned and without agency to change

yet here you are, by our side, blessing the mess we are.

You do not abandon us as the world looks away

you take this small offering and make our limits blessed.

Breathe new life into these old bones so we might move

more and more in love with you each new day.

Make us your disciples out in this broken world

helping others to be fed, have peace and be surrounded in your beauty. Amen.