Grace
That we invite, inform and inspire the broader body of Christ to more radical responses to Jesus among the poor.
Readings
Devotion 1
Wait: Take a minute of silence – allow yourself to be present…
Read: Luke 19:28-40
Reflection: Do we all know the joking term “man eyes” or “looking with man eyes”?
The joke is that guys are not that good at finding things that are in plain sight; typical example is trying to find something in the pantry.
G.K. Chesterton once said “The greatest of all illusions is the illusion of familiarity”. Hold that thought…
Leading up to and setting up our passage are 3 stories. These are the story of the persistent blind beggar who wanted to see (Luke 18:35-43), secondly we have the story of Zacchaeus where Jesus flips upside down the perceptions of the teachers of the law on sinners and God’s Salvation (Luke 19:1-10) and thirdly the parable of the ten servants where the King commands his servants to actively invest/ work His Kingdom (Luke 19:11-27).
Eyes to see the radical nature of God’s encompassing Salvific work.
In our passage, Jesus’ arrival was exactly according to God’s plan – and only those that had humble eyes were able to bear witness to the coming of the King of Kings, and respond appropriately – joy, awe and praise.
Ask:
God and His Kingdom is forever parading through our lives and neighbourhoods, but our “man eyes” delay, obscure or miss recognizing it at all.
- Share a recent story of a near miss or your total blindness towards God’s unconventional Kingdom coming into your neighbourhood?
- The “colt” (v.30-33) was put in place by God for his disciples to discover, untie and bring forth to announce the King’s entry. Take a minute to think about your neighbours and community; is there a “colt” (person, project, idea, or conversation etc) that’s awaiting untying to bring forth God’s Kingdom? Share amongst each other.
Share: Communion
Pray: Pray about the “colts” that have been shared, pray for courage and wisdom in “untying” them.
Devotion 2
Wait: Take a minute to be silent and be present.
Read: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Ask:
- Share your thoughts on the passage. What stood out? What didn’t make sense? What do you agree with?
- Bring yourselves to verse 27. Read it out. Let us identify our “man eyes.” Every community has it’s own marginalized.
Now think off the top of your head, of one person in your community that would fit or you have fitted to the general description of “foolish”, “not wise” or “not of noble birth…” Name them. - Now repent repent of your “man eyes” by prayer and sharing.
- With your “man eyes” subdued, list out good qualities and stories about your “fool”! Rejoice, boast and learn from them!
- In the coming day, make contact with the person and encourage them. Pray fully consider them throughout your day!
Share: Communion
Pray: For your hearts to be cleansed and your eyes to be renewed this day to see and feel God’s Kingdom.
Devotion 3
Wait: INVITE YOUR KIDS TO JOIN.
Bring yourself to be present by way of the following slow breath prayer TWICE.
Breathe in: “Loving Father”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner ”
Breathe in: “Loving Jesus”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner”
Breathe in: “Loving Spirit”
Breathe out; “Have mercy upon me a sinner ”
Breathe in: “Loving God”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner”
Let us remember this is the “Holy Week”; the week leading to the crucifixion and rising of Jesus Christ.
Read: John 18
Ask:
- Get everybody up, get your mobile phones out, and re enact the chapter just read with a everyone in your household participating! Record it on a mobile phone. (If you cannot do this today – find time in the week to do it: involve the kids, they are the main stars!)
- Let the kids talk; what did they see, hear and think about the story of the arresting Jesus?
- Let the kids talk; what can we learn from or about Jesus from the story?
- Affirm their findings and allow it to bubble into your day.
- Post video on UNOH Facebook
Share: Communion
Pray: Pray for your kids/ young people. May we see and hear their thoughts and answers to their relationship with God.
Devotion 4
Wait: Again bring yourselves to be present by way of the following slow breath prayer TWICE
Breathe in: “Faithful Father”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner ”
Breathe in: “Faithful Jesus”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner”
Breathe in: “Faithful Spirit”
Breathe out; “Have mercy upon me a sinner ”
Breathe in: “Faithful God”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner”
Read: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Ask:
– Isaiah paints a variety of raw to gentle images about the “suffering servant.” Which imagery/ metaphor stand out for you? Hold on to this for the da
Share: Communion
Pray: Finish with the Lord’s Prayer
Devotion 5
Wait: Bring yourselves to be present by way of the following slow breath prayer TWICE
Breathe in: “Holy Father”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner ”
Breathe in: “Holy Jesus”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner”
Breathe in: “Holy Spirit”
Breathe out; “Have mercy upon me a sinner ”
Breathe in: “Holy God”
Breathe out: “Have mercy upon me a sinner”
Today is Good Friday. As we read our passage, keep silence and enter the story, immerse yourself in the story, hear, see and feel the death of God for the redemption of His creation.
Read: John 19
Again re-read John 19; keep the silence and re-enter the story, re-immerse yourself into the story, re-hear, re-see and re-feel the death of God for the redemption of His creation.
Keep the silence.
Share: Communion – present communion to each other and by saying “it is finished.”
Silence for a minute; Hold your silence for the Loving, Faithful, and Holy King has died.