|
 Background
This reflection
presents several
brief Scripture
texts from the
Gospels, directing
you to contemplate a
subject sometimes
overlooked or
forgotten: the
humanness of Jesus.
Absolutely no one in
Scripture, however,
better presents to
us the need for
maintaining a rhythm
of work, play, rest,
and worship in our
own lives. Conscious
efforts may have to
be made to keep from
simply dismissing
Jesus' needs for
rest and renewal on
the grounds that he
is also God's son.
Reading
Jesus
Care for Himself
Matthew 8:23–24;
12:14–15a; 13:1
Mark 1:35; 3:9;
6:31; 7:24; and
14:35
Reflection
After taking
care of everyone
else's needs, women
often have little
time or energy left
to care for
themselves. We may
have learned that
tending to our own
physical, emotional,
and spiritual needs
is very near the
bottom of the list
of things to do.
Interspersed
throughout the four
Gospels are brief
references to
occasions when Jesus
took time out to
care for himself. We
find him sleeping,
sitting alone by the
sea, praying in
solitude, leaving a
situation to avoid
putting himself in
danger, resting,
eating, even making
himself unavailable
to people for
awhile.
Oftentimes
we may miss noting
these passages,
because the
overwhelming
emphasis of the
Gospels in on Jesus'
active ministry,
rather than on the
things he did to
restore his strength
and renew his
spirit.
Caring
for ourselves is
normal and
necessary. We are
taught that it is
against God's will
to allow others to
abuse us. Why, then,
should we abuse
ourselves? We have
been created in
God's image; we need
no other reason or
excuse to invest
some of our resources
in caring for
ourselves and
celebrating God's
Spirit dwelling
within us.
Discussion
| 1. |
List five
personal
qualities that
reflect God's
image in
yourself. How
can you care
for each? |
| 2. |
Now
list five
obligations
or
situations
that usually
prevent you
from caring
for
yourself.
Through
discussion,
if you are
reflecting
in a group,
help one
another find
ways to
delegate
personal
obligations
or modify
situations
so that you
will be more
free to
address your
own needs. |
| 3. |
Why
do you feel
guilty when
you take
time for
yourself? If
you were
defending
another
woman in a
court of law
who was
accused of
taking time
for herself,
how would
you argue
her case? If
God were the
judge, would
the verdict
be
"guilty"
or "not
guilty?"
Why? |
| 4. |
What
specific and
realistic
things can
you do to
take better
care of
yourself?
Think in
terms of
rest,
recreation,
worship,
silence,
friendships,
time alone,
exercise,
and play. |
Prayer
Gentle and beautiful
God, you have
created us in your
image and have
blessed our sojourn
on earth with your
constant presence.
Teach us to love
ourselves as you
love us, that we may
learn to care for
ourselves as you
care for us. Amen
Written
by Susan K. Wendorf
for Women of the
ELCA. Copyright ©
1995 Women of the
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
All rights reserved.
May be reproduced
for use by Women of
the ELCA in
congregations
provided each copy
carries the
copyright notice
above. For
all other purposes, contact
us.
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