Mercy for this Moment
Preacher: The Rev. Erica Andersen
Scripture: Luke 10:1-11,16-20
In a world driven by planning, productivity, and the constant pull of “what’s next,” the call of Jesus feels strangely out of place. Pack light. Don’t overthink the outcomes. Stay present.
And yet, in the wake of tragedy—like the floods that have broken hearts across Texas—those words feel more like truth than ever. When disaster strikes, our worries about schedules and logistics melt away. What matters is the moment in front of us. Who is hurting? Who is missing? Who needs comfort, right now?
This is the ministry of the present.
When Jesus sends out the 70 disciples, he doesn’t give them a five-year plan. He gives them a mission to proclaim and to heal, without being weighed down by baggage—literal or emotional. They are to respond in real time, without fear of failure, trusting that the kingdom of God has come near in the here and now.
Our faith calls us not into the perfection of planning, but into the sacredness of presence. God doesn’t promise us control over the future. He offers us himself in the moment. The comfort of a mother. The nearness of Christ. The gentle strength to do what love requires, right now.
We are called to live not in the memory of what was or the fear of what could be—but in the grace of this breath, this cry for mercy, this opportunity to act in love.
Reflection Questions
What are you carrying today that pulls you out of the present moment?
Where do you sense God calling you to respond with hope, compassion, or mercy—right now?
What does it look like to trust God with your past and future so you can be fully available in the present?
How can you reorient your heart this week toward the ministry right in front of you?
What comfort is God offering you in this moment—and how might you share it with someone else?
