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Today's Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

Reading today’s Gospel reminded me that as soon as we come to Christ with our needs, He begins to assist us.  Many times we turn to Christ and are unaware of His assistance.  He reaches out to us through various forms.

As I reflect on today’s Gospel, I think back to times that seemed like random acts of kindness by a loved one or stranger and realize this was Christ working through others.  There have been times my heart has been moved and motivated to reach out to someone that I might not ordinarily reach out to.  I believe this is Christ working within me to help others.  Christ knows all of our needs, all of our sorrows and He knows just who is needed to work on His behalf.

As the words of today’s Gospel stirs within my heart, the more I realize that I need to set aside all parts of myself that prevent Christ from working through me.  I believe we are all familiar with the tug on our heart when we are called to do something that we do not really want to do but know we should.  We bear the responsibility and the privilege to respond to Christ’s calling.  We bear the responsibility and privilege to respond to the needs of our fellow mankind.  

My family knows me for doing little experiments (mostly on them).  One experiment I did was to reach out with words and deeds of kindness to those around me, whether it was a family member, friend, coworker, or stranger.  I replaced all negative words with words of kindness. I greeted everyone I came across with a warm smile and a happy hello.  I took to heart a concern for all people. I realized people needed a hello, people needed a smile and people needed kindness. 

I knew going into this that I could make someone else’s day.  What I didn’t realize was what I would receive in return.  I found the greatest source of joy I’ve ever felt.  I realized that if I set aside parts of myself that prevented Christ from being revealed in me, that Christ would shine forth in my words and deeds.  I realized that Christ called each of us to allow Him to work through us.  

My challenge for you is to know that Christ is always present for you, He reaches out to you through others.

Ponder:

Take today’s reading, sit with it, allow it to work within you and allow Christ to work through you. Ponder, with such joy, peace, and love, how the world would be if we allowed Christ truly in our hearts, reflected through our thoughts, words and deeds towards others.

Are you willing to allow Christ to work through?   Are you willing to set aside all that prevents you from serving Christ through small acts of kindness to others?  Take on this challenge, even if the first step is a small step like a greeting everyone you meet with a smile, and I guarantee you will feel Christ’s presence within you.

Pray:

Lord, help me set aside that which prevents my serving you the way you would have me serve you. Be present in me to those around me.

Copyright 2014 Lorrie Lane Dyer