Witness: The Scar Story
During this season of Eastertide, we are engaging with the particular encounters which Jesus initiates with his disciples following the Resurrection. Thomas needed to see with his own eyes, and is met with grace and understanding. Jesus comes back bearing the marks to remind us that ours need not be hidden either. When we abide in the love of God, tending to the wounded in community, we participate in the ever-unfolding resurrection story.
Scripture & Quotations
John 20:19-29
John 15:4-5
“Braving public transit for your morning commute and being with Jesus…
changing another diaper and being with Jesus….
Sorting through your inbox yet still being with Jesus…
Cooking dinner for your family or friends and resting your heart in Jesus…”
John Mark Comer - Practicing the Way: Be With Jesus. Become Like Him. Do As He Did.
“Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not 'How can we hide our wounds?' so we don't have to be embarrassed but 'How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?' When our wounds cease to be a source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.”
Henri Nouwen - The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society
Reflection
Find time to practice the rhythm of abiding. Or revisit the abiding reflection at the end of the message (Beginning at 27:42). Create time, even briefly, each day this week to be with God, simply to abide.
Ground yourself / Breath
Check with body / mind / heart - where is the strain?
Name the feeling if you can, or name what feels bigger than you can handle?
Abide in God’s love. There are no hoops.
Kids’ Reflection
Below is the video the kids engaged with during their time at the Nature Center. A beautiful visualization of the parallel vision the Resurrection invites us to embrace.
