Everything you wanted to know about Christianity at the Anglican Parish of the Otways Please join me each week for our reflections of sermons conducted during our church service. Plus, occasional splashes of humour and epiphanies! With much Love and Blessings Rev. Jenny Brandon |
![]() The question of suffering, especially that of the innocent and just, was a big problem in biblical times, and is still a huge issue for us today. In Old Testament times suffering was seen as a punishment from God for sin, something Jesus totally rejected. So what was Jesus’ response to suffering? We can see from today’s Gospel that it was a very practical one. On arriving at Peter’s house Jesus and the disciples discover that Peter’s Mother in law is unwell. Jesus, touches her, rebukes the fever, it leaves her immediately, and she is restored to her rightful place in the community that was her family. Total restoration! Later that evening Jesus heals many who were brought to him. These accounts shows the holistic approach Jesus had to healing. When he healed a person he often made physical contact, in this account it was by “laying on of hands”. He was very aware that he was dealing with individuals and knew the power of physical contact in the process of healing. He cared for each person intimately and showed that to each of them. This is an example we need to follow. Firstly, as shown by the many who brought themselves, friends and loved ones to Jesus for healing, so to we must not shy away from bring people to Jesus for healing, either through prayer or anointing with holy oil. Secondly, we need to imitate Jesus as we sit with, pray for and care for those who are sick. We can show our intimate concern for people, through the attention we give them, our body language, the careful use of words, and the care we give them. Finally, the account puts this all in the perspective of Jesus' ministry. He had come to proclaim the Kingdom of God, that is to proclaim his saving grace available to every person. It was through his healing ministry that Jesus actively demonstrated the love and compassion of God and drew many to hear the message of salvation. We too are called to take the message of salvation
to those we encounter. and in simple and gentle ways demonstrate the love God has for them, letting them know that the source of your compassion is His compassion. The Lord Be with You! With Blessings Rev Jenny
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About the author
Rev. Jenny is an ordained Priest of the Anglican Diocese delivering services at Anglican Parish of the Otway churches every week. With great depth of knowledge and a spiritual practice that shows she walks her talk and has taken her to the far reaches of N.T. Australia working with indigenous youth and elders.
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May 2018
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