Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Program

Inclusion in Worship

Inclusion Awareness Day Workbook 2004

Creating Congregations Where People of All Abilities Participate

Episcopal Congregations:

Homily Hints

Mark 5:25-35 (and Matthew 9:20-23, Luke 8:43-48)

These texts can be preached by exploring how the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years and Jesus crossed social boundaries to seek the kingdom. The woman sought Jesus’ power and was not content with her role as one the society defined as unclean.  Jesus would have been considered unclean by her touch yet did not rebuke her for her boldness and recognized her faith.  These verses contain an important message about the role of advocacy and the need for strong faith.  Too often people with disabilities receive the message from our society that they should not bother the larger community with their concerns.  But Jesus recognized her faith and was present to her although he was on his way to heal Jarius’ daughter. 

John 13:5-14

The scene of Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper is often preached to encourage Christian charity.  A liberation approach to this text focuses on the dialogue between Peter and Jesus: it is only when we first allow Jesus to wash us that we can serve others.  Therefore, in a real way, these texts stress mutual ministry and everyone’s need for healing.  Jesus tells Peter that unless he puts aside his false pride and allows Jesus to wash him, he can have no part with Jesus.  When sudden disability forces us to confront our vulnerability, we do well to remember that there is grace in accepting help.  We can help others only to the degree that we have been cleansed by the same water, only because God Incarnate has washed each of us.