And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
There are many stories in the Gospels about healing. Some of them are really miraculous stories: sight restored to the blind, lepers cleansed, fevers cured, and the ability to walk for those who couldn't. These stories show us the power of Jesus over disease and suffering. Over and over again in his earthly ministry, Jesus touches and heals those who are sick, those who have been left out and left behind. And in so doing, Jesus creates hope for people who seem to have none left. And yet - this is only a surface reading of these stories.
Underneath the obvious plot line is something else; something that's really important. In every story of healing, there is another dimension - tied into the healing of hearts, minds, souls, and relationships. As Jesus heals people physically, he also restores them to rightness of mind and rightness of relationship. He gives people back their place in the community, something their sickness often kept them from. And in so doing, Jesus doesn't just heal the person in front of him - he provides renewal and restoration for the life of the whole community - because we are never whole when one of us is lost or missing.
Where are you in need of Jesus’ healing presence in your life? It's true that some of it might be physical, many of us need rest and recovery, relief from fatigue or pain. And still, there's more. For all of us, there are broken places, broken relationships, wounded hearts and spirits. Where do you need to invite Jesus to bring you that healing, restorative presence? Where have you seen Jesus' healing presence at work in your life? When have you (and your friends and family) experienced healing in this place, at St. Matt's? How have you been able to participate in the healing of the world, the renewal of the world around us through our worship, witness, and mission?
This community, and all churches at their best, are places where we seek the healing of our souls and of the whole world. When we hear God's Word in the midst of worship, when we sing and pray together, when we come forward to receive communion, when we gather to learn, or go out to serve - all that we do is tied into this desire of God's to love, heal, and restore the world. In fact, the book of Revelation tells us that in the heavenly Jerusalem, on the side of the river, one can find the tree of life. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22). I’ve always thought of this tree as the church – spreading it’s branches, offering fruit, offering gifts – and healing; not just for us, but for everyone. May our leaves be for the healing of the world around us. May there be many, many leaves.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector