Dear friends in Christ,
Jesus heals ten lepers, and nine run off without even saying “thank you.” I mean
seriously, how rude! You know what’s even more rude? They abandoned the tenth leper
without even saying good-bye. Even Jesus notices how quickly they disappear as soon
as they get what they want. It is hard to tell what is more baffling – why the nine behave
that way, or why the one stays despite Jesus telling him to go. This story is full of
conflicting words and actions. And yet, when we look at the religious laws and societal
expectations everyone was operating under at that time, everyone’s behavior makes
perfect sense. Which begs the larger question: how was society broken, how is society
still dividing people and setting them against each other, and how does God call us and
empower us to heal it?
In Bible Study we are still working through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.
We are focusing on how to pray – and how not to pray – in chapter 6. On November 1
during Bible Study we will be assembling Protestant Rosaries to enhance our spiritual
disciplines around prayer. All are welcome to participate. We will be purchasing the
materials for the rosaries the week before the class. We ask that you donate $15 for the
materials, and let Pastor Tracy know your color preference for beads as soon as
possible. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
We will look forward to seeing you there!
Many blessings,
Pastor Tracy