August 2020 - LPNI

Main menu:

August 2020

LPNI Devotion

The supply line of graced

I wonder whether our two parish nurses can be likened to two of the twelve disciples present at that rather incredible feeding of the five thousand that the gospel writers tell us about (Matthew 14:13-21). The reason I say this is that in this very strange COVID-restricted time, they have indeed handed out the living bread of Jesus in the form of personal connection and pastoral caring, with that special added component of medical care, to many of our people.

Just like the disciples, they have stepped out into the crowds of people sitting by the sea, and handed out his compassion, care, insight and support in the form of human words and actions grounded in Jesus’ word.

They were called by Jesus to do this, as those 12 disciples were called to their bread- distributing work for that very large crowd. Of course, it was not their bread or their ability or power that made meeting this need possible. It was Jesus’ word and power and compassion for the people that enlisted his friends in the supply line of grace that day by the sea.

Our parish nurses are empty baskets without Jesus’ love, and they know it. They know that it is only by his compassion and power that their distributing of his bread that gives life, in the form of care and support are transformed into the supply line of God’s grace for lonely, damaged, hurting or even prideful people.

I as pastor, have been very glad that we have parish nurses in our community. They help turn this time of crisis into time of deep satisfaction in the body and the heart. Just as Jesus made this empty crowd and his empty friends full to overflowing with good food to the point that ‘all were satisfied’, so our parish nurses have stepped into the crowd and done the distributing of Jesus’ grace and support for many.

Jesus, we thank you for your living bread of forgiveness, healing and new life distributed by your people called into your supply line of grace in these troubling times. Bless all your people, and especially our parish nurses. Amen.

Adrian Kitson, Pastor, St. Petri Lutheran Church

Nuriootpa, South Australia

adrian.kitson@lca.org.au