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Reflection from our Pastors
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Sunday’s Gospel from Luke is a story about what it means to be disciples of Christ in community. Jesus is clearly affirming that proclaiming the good news of the kin-dom is not a solo performance, but a communal and relational activity of the whole body of those commissioned. The message is ever inclusive and ever expansive.
We have heard this story about Jesus’ sending of the 72 disciples so many times that we may have forgotten the job description…
Jesus begins by saying, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, so I’m appointing you,” yeah you, and you and you… He holds out his hands over our heads and prays a powerful prayer… “Bring peace to every house you enter. I am giving you authority over demons, illness, even death.” We have been blessed by our brother Jesus to serve in His name.
Episcopal Reverend Barbara Brown Taylor reminds us that “Jesus could have insisted that we remain his ASSISTANTS, for our own safety, and to avoid malpractice suits. He could have said, “Just mix the mud while I heal these blind people,” or, “Could you take off the bandages after I cleanse these lepers?” or, “Why don’t you hold the baskets while I feed the hungry.”
Instead, right here in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus TRANSFERS his ministry to us while he is still alive.” With little training or instruction, Jesus sends us out to spread peace to all and to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.”
Next Jesus tells us…
"Be on your way, and remember: I am sending you as lambs in the midst of wolves. Do not carry a walking stick or knapsack; wear no sandals…”
Wait…What was that part about lambs in the midst of wolves? No purse, no shoes, sorry Jesus but I need to use a walker!
We often like to imagine a beautiful mountaintop scene with discipleship being all about celebrating God’s presence with everyone joining hands and singing kum ba yah, but we know from our own personal experiences, that living a life of faith has its ups and downs. Life as a disciple of Christ can be a bit of a roller coaster. And Jesus is painting a realistic picture of life for these disciples. Some days, they will be received well, and community will be formed. Meals will be shared, people will be healed, and the kin-dom of God will be glimpsed. But other times, well, it’s just not all that pretty. Yet if we know that to be the case from the start, it might be easier for us to carve out a space for God to be a part of every aspect of our journeys. God with us at every twist and turn in the road.
So let’s remember that during the heat of the summer, on July 6th , Jesus came to remind us of our baptismal covenant to go outside the church doors, just like so many before us, to leave our wallet, our luggage, and our spare clothes in the closet; to take in a deep breath and head out into places we never imagined. Maybe we’ll be sent to comfort a friend in the hospital, or to speak a word of reconciliation to a neighbor or a family member, or to stand up for injustice at our workplace. Maybe we will be called to the food pantry, or to advocate for our LGBTQIA+ siblings in Christ, or to take a courageous stand at a public meeting.
We are called to keep going on the mission Christ has given us – to go into the world, our topsy-turvy, chaotic, ups and downs world, and share what we know to be good news, the very Gospel itself. So, let’s do it. All we need is the name of Jesus and each other. We are never, ever alone.
In the name of the One who sends us out. Amen,
Mother Rosean
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