To Be with Relatives and Friends--Sept. 26, 2020

I would like to be spending time 

with relatives and friends, 

in particular on special days

and in familiar places,

 

but for the most part, I must be content

with wishes sent: peace and security.

 

Even when I am able to visit, 

I must limit my time

in any one place.

 

I can only imagine

how much harder this was

for Jesus and for Paul, 

as they went from city to city

preaching the good news.

 

Lord, help me pray.

as you taught them.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63

Esth. 9:1-32

Acts 20:1-16

Luke 4:38-44

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 122:8

For the sake of my relatives and friends
          I will say, “Peace be within you.”

 

Esth. 9:30

Letters were sent wishing peace and security to all the Jews, to the one hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus…

 

Acts 20:16

For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; he was eager to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

 

Luke 4:42-43

At daybreak [Jesus] departed and went into a deserted place.  And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them.  But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.”