Fields United Methodist Church

Celebrate Jesus!

Pastor Tom Joyce

November 16, 2022

“Then one of them, when he saw he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.”

Luke 17:15

We take time to thank God for the blessings of our day, our family, friends, church, and the provision that God has laid before us. This is good, an attitude of gratitude is healthy and livens the soul, especially when it is directed towards the Creator and the “Word that became flesh and dwelled among us,” Jesus the Christ. Yet sometimes lost in our thanksgiving are those who have responded to God’s call in their lives, those nurtured by the rich soil of God’s grace, mercy, and power. They are there, all along our path, proclaiming loudly in their silent devotion to the needs of others, that they simply are giving thanks for what they have received from God.  I did not notice her nametag, nor her professional designation; did not notice her shoes or the style of her hair, but I saw a gleam in her eye and tattooed on her forearm, “my brother’s keeper.” Turn back and praise God for those who rise to a calling that is beyond worldly category. Turn back and praise God not only for the food on the table, but especially for those around the table, who made the table possible, who just want the best for those in their path, who hear the call of God and respond in service to others.  Thank God for those who are seated at the table and those whose table is set in the eternal light of Jesus.  You have been healed, and you have been called by the One who neither slumbers nor sleeps, who has reached out and has anointed you. Thank Jesus for all those who are “my brother’s keeper,” who just want to serve the needs of others, those who use their gifts to make a difference in your life. Your path is lined and made possible by those God has called; just thank Jesus for them as you thank Jesus for your life, the blessings of your life, those who you have been blessed with in your life, and especially for the gift of new life given through the cross and empty tomb of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Thank you Jesus!