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Jesus Taken at His Word - December 09 |
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Dear friends of the word,
Jesus knew that his days on this earth were limited. He would not always be able to remain with his disciples; He did not have much time left to teach his friends the way to salvation. So he led by example, in order to shock them into action. He –the master – made himself humble and washed his disciples’ feet. This embarrassed Peter greatly. At first he did not want to let Jesus touch his dirty feet and therefore the dirt in his life. But then he allowed this sign of love to happen. Later Jesus told the disciples, “I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
After they shared a meal, Judas left the room. He would soon betray Jesus, and time was quickly running out. Again he addressed his friends to bestow unto them his heartfelt concern – like a father bestows something to his children. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” This mutual love – that Jesus wanted to impress onto his friends’ hearts – is the identification of those who follow him. It is not special clothing or particular ritual, not even words or declarations. No, unconditional love of all people is theirs, and our distinctive mark.
Recently a young woman wrote to us with her story: It was winter, very cold outside, when I was out in the playground with my two sons and met a young mother with her 2 year-old son and a baby. We started talking, and shortly after, the baby started crying – it was thirsty. The mother wanted to nurse it. I suggested she go up to my flat (we live next to the playground), because it was so cold outside, but she refused and said it was okay. I was going up anyway to get a few toys for my sons which they had forgotten. I left my children with her for those few minutes. I remembered how thirsty I had always been while breastfeeding. So I prepared a large mug of herbal tea for her. A hot tea was the least thing I could do for her. – She was so happy about it. And I was happy like a little child because I had been able to do her a favour. – We have become friends in the meantime and meet up regularly. Recently, she reminded me of our first encounter and how I made her the tea without her asking for it. She said, something like that had never happened to her before.
Dear friends of the word, Christmas is approaching, the festival of love. Let us give love unexpectedly – again and again! A merry and blessed Christmas to you all. May Jesus be born among us again!
On behalf of the OnWordTeam Meinolf Wacker December 2009
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Prayers and Reflections 
