Nurses save lives and risk their own – October 12

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 5, 6; PM Psalm 10, 11, Jer. 36:27-37:2; 1 Cor. 14:1-12; Matt. 10:16-23

This gospel passage from Matthew is a moving and foreboding one. We read Jesus’ words of warning as he is equipping the disciples for the work ahead of them. He gives them authority to cast out demons and cure illnesses (10:1). He instructs them to proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near!” to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (10:6-7). The disciples are to heal without any compensation or love offering. (10:8) They are to rely on the kindness of strangers upon their journey and not be dragged down by those who are not supportive or dismissive (10:9-14).

Then we reach what is appointed for today, which begins with Jesus saying to his friends, “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (10:16)  While the disciples are to seek out those who are the lost sheep of Israel, they will be vulnerable like sheep among a pack of ravenous wolves who wish to devour their goodness and cease their sharing of the life and warmth of the good news.

Jesus continues, “Beware of them [the Judean persecutors], for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles.” (v. 17-18)  The disciples will be turned in to authorities by those who are threatened by the message these healers and proclaimers are sharing. The Messiah has insight to share with his friends, continuing their preparation for the hard times ahead: “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (v. 19-20) Earlier in this passage, Jesus advises his friends not to worry about material comforts to protect them on their way; here he says that even their words will be provided to them from the Holy Spirit. God will fully cover them, as they are giving themselves to the work of the Father.

Have you ever had that experience? Knowing that you do not have the right words to say, and yet words flow from you that are wholly not yours? We pray that in prayers sometimes, that the words of God will overwhelm us and rule us…I think of Psalm 19, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”

Today is also the day in churches with Anglican roots in which we remember Edith Cavell. She was a British nurse who worked in occupied Brussels, Belgium, during World War I. She nursed and cared for all, regardless of their “side” – British, Belgian, French, and German. In network with others, she helped around 200 Allied soldiers escape from Brussels to safety in neutral Netherlands. Edith was arrested on August 3, 1915. Though she was a British national serving in Belgium, her actions were deemed by the occupying German military law to be treasonous, as it was during wartime. The penalty was death by firing squad.

Edith was questioned by German police three times during her arrest and 10-week imprisonment. Diplomatic efforts by the British government yielded nothing. An Anglican chaplain brought her Holy Communion the night before her execution. Documents cite this as what she said to him, “I am thankful to have had these ten weeks of quiet to get ready. Now I have had them and have been kindly treated here. I expected my sentence and I believe it was just. Standing as I do in view of God and Eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough, I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.” Her deep faith in God kept her rooted while helping all in need – German, British, French, or Belgium – even until her untimely death. Edith Cavell was executed on October 12, 1915. A statue of her stands in Trafalgar Square. She is remembered on the Church of England’s calendar of saints on this day.

Jesus’ words of guidance and wisdom surely were ringing in Edith’s ears during her work in Belgium and during her imprisonment, and as she was deposed multiple times. She is an inspiring pillar of faith. I pray her actions will embolden each of us.

This is a prayer to God devoted in Edith Cavell’s memory:

Living God, the source of all healing and wholeness: we bless you for the compassionate witness of your servant Edith Cavell. Inspire us to be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world beset by injustice, poverty, and war. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, to the ages of ages. Amen.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

Jesus tries to prepare his friends for hard times ahead. When has someone tried to impart such wisdom to you? Did it help get you through a hard time? What have you learned that you've shared with others about weathering obstacles?

Daily Challenge

Take time for additional study today by comparing a portion of Matthew 10 to parallel passages in the other gospels.

Mark 13:9-13; Luke 12:11-12, 21:11-19; John 16:2, 15:18-19

What similarities do you see? What leaves you curious about Jesus’ message? What do you understand more deeply, reading it from multiple angles?