Daily Reading: 8 July

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Depending on others

Something to read

He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.

- Mark 6:8-9, from full reading Mark 6:1-13.

Something to think about

The rejection of Jesus in his hometown and the anticipated rejection of the disciples is a challenge to those of us who seek to bear the good news in our lives and words today. Perhaps an even greater challenge is the vulnerability of depending on others for what we need.

As we seek to be good news in and for the world, we also demonstrate that we are in need of the goodness and provision of others too. It is a message that we share as partners in the gospel, working in partnership with communities across the world.

As aboriginal activist Lilla Watson’s words reminds us: ‘If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.’

Something to do

Ask someone to help you with something you’ve perhaps been putting off for a while.

Something to pray

Vulnerable God

Who put yourself at the mercy of humanity

Give us the courage to be vulnerable

Willing to humbly receive

To be with rather than for others.

Amen.

Today’s contributor is Wendy Lloyd, faith communications coordinator for Christian Aid.