Show Notes
In this twenty-first week of “Ordinary” (or “Normal”) time, Case reflects on the life of Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize winning medical missionary.
Nuance’s Formed for Formation is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp as he follows the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
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Episode Transcript
Welcome back to the Formed for Faithfulness podcast. Here on this podcast, we explore the deep and transformative journey of living out our faith in every aspect of life. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of daily discipleship, seeking to deepen your understanding of scripture, or looking to integrate your beliefs into your work and relationships, we’re here to guide and encourage you. Join us as we seek the heart of God.
A reading from Hebrews chapter one and two:
In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So He became as much superior to the angels, as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs. It is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come about which we are speaking.
But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.”
In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present, we do not see everything subject to them, but we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy, and those who were made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”
One of the most famous Christian missionary doctors was Albert Schweitzer. He lived in the early 20th century and was a German theologian, organist, philosopher, physician, and medical missionary. Schweitzer is widely known for his work in Gabon, where he established a hospital and devoted much of his life to providing medical care to the people of the region. Schweitzer’s philosophy of reverence for life deeply influenced his work and his approach to both medicine and missionary work. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his philosophy and work in promoting humanitarian ideals. His life and contributions made him one of the most respected figures in both the medical and missionary fields. His writings and reflections often contain profound spiritual sentiments. This belief wasn’t just theoretical for Schweitzer.
It was the driving force behind his decision to leave the comfort and recognition of European society to serve in the heart of Africa. In a world that often values success by wealth, status, and power, Schweitzer’s life challenges us to consider what true success looks like in the eyes of God. It asks us to evaluate our own lives and priorities.
Are we living in a way that reflects the love and compassion of Christ? Are we willing to serve those in need, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones? Medical missions are one of the most powerful ways to live out this calling. They combine the practical need for healthcare with the spiritual need for love and hope and dignity. Missionary doctors and nurses like Schweitzer provide not just physical healing, but also a tangible expression of God’s love for all people.
A reading from the book of Job 1:1 and then 2:1-10:
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.
On another day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. And the Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”
Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”
“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.
His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”
He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
Let us pray.
O God of all creation, instill in me a deep reverence for all of life. May I recognize your presence in every living being and treat all with the compassion and care they deserve. Guide me to serve others selflessly, to heal the sick, to comfort the suffering. Let my afflictions reflect your love and my words bring hope and peace. Help me to see the interconnectedness of all life and to work tirelessly for the wellbeing of others. Strengthen my resolve to do good in this world and may I always strive to live in harmony with your will. Amen.
And finally, a reading from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 10, verses 2 through 16:
Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
“What did Moses command you?” he replied.
They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.”
“It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
