Read: (Is 66:10-14c)
Isaiah paints the maternal heart of God: God who nurses and comforts us, and whose hand accompanies us. Precisely because he bears in his body the very marks of Christ, Paul is unable to discriminate between people, for all are a new creation in Christ. Jesus sends the seventy-two, to offer his peace, mercy, and healing to everyone willing to receive.
Reflect:
The reaction of the disciples returning from the fruitful mission is revealing as to their priorities: they are overjoyed that even evil forces were obedient to them! Don’t they sound a bit similar to today’s tele-evangelists and preachers of a “prosperity gospel” who cannot proclaim enough of the miracles God is working through them? Jesus, like a true master, does not invalidate their experience, but gently reminds them that their authority comes from him. And more importantly, he invites them to rejoice primarily not because the evil forces obey them, but because they themselves have been recipients of God’s grace and redemption. They – and by extension, we – are not primarily givers, but
recipients; and we can give only what we have received.
Pray:
Pray for a heart that rejoices in God’s mercies, to us and to others.
Act:
Share with another person about an occasion when you experienced unmerited
grace from God

Rise Youth will resume in the 3rd Term. We wish all our members a great holiday and look forward to continuing our journey. Check contact for more information about upcoming events. Are you interested in becoming a youth leader or supporter? Call or WhatsApp Gaily on 0835890063 for more information