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"When he laid his hands on her, immediately
she stood up straight and began praising God" (Luke 13:13).
When I reflect upon the story of the stooped-over woman, her physical
condition brings to my mind an image of the bent and broken spirit of so many
people worldwide. It reminds me of the helpless and hopeless condition of much
of our world and society today. I see the bent-over woman in the people of the
Middle East — particularly the women and children. I see the woman in the
homeless and hungry here in our own country. I see the woman in the people
being ostracized because they resemble someone guilty of terrorism. I see the
woman in the people who still carry the burden of racial and ethnic
discrimination. I see the woman in our children and youth who, for lack of
proper care and nurturing, are bent over in despair instead of growing straight
and strong in faith. And I see the woman in myself and in my brothers and
sisters in the church who feel separate and safe from similar affliction. What
is it that Jesus teaches and God would have us do to respond to all this
brokenness within and without?
Jesus, in his compassion for this woman and without being asked, spoke words
that healed her. God likewise expects us to spread words of comfort and
salvation without being asked. It was when Jesus touched the woman that the
power of God caused her instantly to straighten up. God likewise expects us to
be willing to reach out and touch our brothers and sisters, especially those
whom others abuse or reject, so that his power and healing might flow through
us to them. Jesus, defying convention and the laws of the Sabbath, not only
touched her but healed her. God likewise expects us to remember that the
welfare of his people takes precedence over social customs, cultural
differences, ethnic biases, and even religious obligations.
Prayer
Walk with us, O God, and help us to recognize the miracle of your love in
unexpected places and unfamiliar faces. Grant that we may see that which
reflects your image in others and that they may see your loving presence in us,
that together we may give you praise and glory.
Dolores Yancey is a freelance writer and speaker on topics in
spirituality.
Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible,
copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education
of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2002 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. All rights reserved.
May be reproduced for use in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America provided the copyright information above appears on every copy
with these words: Used with permission.
For all other purposes
contact Women of the ELCA.
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