Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

This past week we have witnessed the power of compassion and love amidst outpourings of sorrow and loss as we have celebrated the lives of Richard Scolyer and Neale Daniher, whose lives have been tragically cut short by disease. One a renowned medical researcher, the other a famous AFL footballer and coach touched the heart of Australians through their courage in the face of their suffering; their vulnerability in sharing their story and their dedicated service in raising awareness and funds for cancer research.

Jesus has shown his compassion and healing for those suffering ‘every disease and sickness.’ As disciples of Jesus, we are called to exercise this same authority “to cast them (evil spirits) out and to cure every disease and sickness.” This seems a tall order and well beyond our own capacity. Such authority, given by Christ, needs to be exercised for the sake of others.

When we allow Christ to heal our sin, sickness and disease, we begin to trust that His power and authority is real, active and alive, not only for us, but for others. We are then called and sent, not in our own strength, but by His authority. Equipped with the power and authority of Christ we can bring healing in simple, concrete ways: through kindness, forgiveness, loving presence and prayer.

In the words of Richard Scolyer we need to “Think Big. Be Bold. Be Courageous. Give it a Crack.”

When have you experienced the healing power of Jesus in your life?

How can you be an instrument of healing for others?