Grace Blogspot

Two healing accounts of sorts today. The centurion’s slave and raising the son of the widow from the dead. The centurion’s faith impresses Jesus, but it’s clear from the text that Jesus intended to go there anyway. Curiously faith is not mentioned in the raising of the young man. Jesus is impressed by faith, but it is not a prerequisite for healing. Jesus acts, Jesus touches, Jesus heals . . . . where in our hearts and lives do we need to feel the healing touch of Christ? Do we have faith to turn towards him?

Today’s ready is a series of brief stories of healing and calling. They begin with the healing of a leper, where Jesus touches him . . . . touches him!? This was unheard of! Jesus reaches out to the broken and those who are cast out, like the tax collectors. Jesus reaches out and touches those who are untouchable. This season we ask to be touched ourselves by Jesus that we might be made whole. We also conclude with the story of new wine skins. Are we ready to take in Christ’s good news?