Today is the Tenth Sunday after Trinity, when the Gospel reading is Luke’s account of Jesus’ healing a woman on the sabbath. This healing brings Jesus into controversy with the authorities, this time the leader of the synagogue. Jesus’ reply sees healing as release from bondage to Satan and therefore a clear sign of the reign of God. Such release is highly appropriate on the sabbath, the day God gave to Israel as a weekly release from the bondage of labour. Jesus effects the healing and the release by placing his hands on the woman.

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of healing hands. In today’s picture from their book, Special People, Aled and Sian are being welcomed by the healing hands of the nurse at the Health Centre.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you laid your hands on the sick

and brought them healing.

Help us to learn from your example

that we may bring healing to others;

for you are our God.

Amen.

Next week, the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, the reading from Luke’s Gospel continues Jesus’ final journey toward Jerusalem. On the way Jesus was invited on the sabbath to a meal in the house of a leader of the Pharisees. The image to help us prepare for next week’s theme is open tables. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

Preparation Resources

Family Resources