A Reflection for Saturday, December 7, 2024 by Rev. Jennifer Friedman
Lectionary reading for 12/7/2024: Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 4:1-6; Luke 9:1-6
Selected passage for reflection: Luke 9:1-6
Read
Luke 9:1-6 (NRSVUE)
“Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey: no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” So they departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.”
Reflect
Our passage in Luke 9 implies a straightforward path of success when following Christ. Share good news and bring healing, don’t do any “just in case” packing, and it will all work out! However, we know as we read on in the very same chapter, this type of healing ministry does not always work out. Sometimes, the type of healing we think another may need is not what they need (Luke 9:49-50). Sometimes, healing doesn’t happen (Luke 9:40). Sometimes, people just flat out reject anything to do with healing and good news (Luke 9:53-55). And when it doesn’t work out, this passage makes it seem Jesus leaves an “out” for us: “Shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
Some have taken this verse as a means of drawing a line in the sand with others. “If my message is not welcomed, then forget you!” Or “If you don’t believe and behave exactly the same way I do, or do exactly what I do in ministry, then you’re lost.” Being from Florida, I’ve known others who have actually shaken the dust off of their sandals, and tried to effectively “hex” or “curse” those with whom they’ve disagreed.
However, I do not believe Jesus said this to invite the disciples to leave metaphorically sticking their tongues out at people they did not like (even if it may be how we feel when others insult us, reject us, or our shared humanity!). Jesus didn’t give the disciples a “gotcha.” Instead he instructed his disciples to not take anything with them, including even the dust of rejection.
Jesus reminds us, even now, our mission is to bring healing. It is not ours to insist. It is not ours to force. It is not ours to continue to try to ration and reason and stamp our feet if it is not accepted. It is ours to bear witness and receive the goodness of God in our own lives, to share that goodness with others, and to keep doing it while also allowing the dust to settle as it may regardless.
This dust settling is not that of a passive or reactive nature. It is not to assume what you said was right, or what they said was right. It is to recognize it is not our job to be judge. It is not our job to “put people in their place.” It is not our job, as followers of Jesus, to make anyone do anything. It is everyone’s individual and collective choices to follow the Way, or not.
If Jesus did not give us the choice, Jesus would’ve just been forming another cult of the time. He wasn’t the only claimed “Messiah.” Furthermore, people were right then—and are right now—to be skeptical of something so wonderful as healing and new life when the testimony of real life around can be so miserable. Especially when those who were doing the sharing were quite imperfect people themselves.
However, the piece of this story we must not miss is the beauty of shared giving and receiving. The disciples were sent to give good news, but Jesus counted on others to also give good hospitality. It was a requirement for all involved to both give welcome to new life and to receive new ideas. To give an open home to those who would show them a new way, and for those showing a new way to experience what it is like to be a welcomed stranger.
It is common to read the story and think of yourself as the disciples going out to share and shaking off the dust of rejection. However, imagine yourself as the ones receiving not only strangers, but a strange new way and message—even one of good news and healing. Is your home open to provide hospitality to newness? Is your home and your heart open to receiving a message so different from your deeply held beliefs? Are you willing and prepared to welcome strange people and strange ideas that hold new life and healing? Are you open to good news of great joy for all people?
Respond
Jesus instructs us to be open and ready; to provide open hearts to receive as well as to give. Take a moment to center yourself in what is good today. Then, notice how you may or may not stay open to new ideas and experiences as we “prepare room” for Christ this season.
Rest
In this Advent and beyond, may the dust of rejection be shaken off from you, may you have everything you need for your journey, may healing be within you and flow forth from you, and may your heart remain open to receive good news just as much as to share it. Let it be so.
About the Author
Rev. Jennifer Friedman is a new resident of Savannah, GA, chaplain, enneagram enthusiast before it was cool, and loud laugher. She is also co-vice president of the Southeast region with the Federation of Christian Ministries. You can find her these days spending time with her husband and two dogs practicing peace in the home, in the community, and wherever the Spirit may take her.
Comentarios