Reflection:

The commission to “assist in all such good works as shall be committed unto her, to nurse the sick, to visit and relieve the poor and afflicted, to tend and instruct the young and ignorant, to minister especially to women…” was included in the original Sydney Deaconess’ ordination.

There are direct parallels to Jesus’ own ministry priorities: healing the sick, sharing meals with the outcast, and extending welcome and worth to women and children. The student-teacher relationship is evident.

As a follower of Jesus, I should expect to lead a life like his. Jesus ministered to the lowly and rejected. He came to heal the sick, not the well. Where I try to navigate my life to avoid suffering, Jesus’ concern is not to spare me from distress. In fact, he gently explains to us that as his disciples we should not expect to live lives of ease.

Why did the Deaconesses joyfully choose to turn towards suffering: their own and others? Surely it is because their confidence was anchored in the eternal life that their teacher, Jesus, had secured for them.

Is an eternal place by the Father’s side enough for me, for you, to consider turning from comfort to a life lived in the footsteps of Jesus? How will you live today in light of this?

Prayer:

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our teacher and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we do not lose things eternal. Amen.