Oil

"They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them," Mark 6:13.

Jesus' apostles had a remarkable place in the development of the kingdom of God on our planet. When Jesus had said, Follow me, they did. Years before the cross. These twelve men had submitted to Jesus' teaching. They heard him speak. They watched him touch lepers. They witnessed his viciously opposing religious critics. They heard his prayers. They felt his heart. They weren't perfect - Judas, too, witnessed it all, right? So Jesus sent them out with his authority to change the world. And what did they announce? That people should repent. That people should turn from doing bad things to each other, and do good. The kingdom of God does not consist of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Today, when we meet with a brother or sister, we pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding. And, together, we give thanks to God for his healing message of reconciliation.