mamabishop: Sunday, July 7th, 2024

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Sunday, July 7th, 2024 - Proper Nine

Jesus came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:1-13

I have often had to preach in my hometown and it always strike me as a challenge. Many people remember me as a child, some as a crazy teenager and others as a young mother. They never expected me to be a priest, let alone a bishop. In our traditional communities, to belong is to be teased and "kept in place". Elders often remind us of our failings, helping us to grow and be respectful. So, it is often hard to be a new kind of somebody when we return home. Even Jesus struggled with that. And to provide the healing and love, he sent his disciples out two by two to tell the story of God's love. Sometimes good ministry requires work arounds, creative delegation and patience with those who have a hard time welcoming change.

Loving Creator, your set us in communities

villages of love, support and teaching

where we learn respect and gain trust

building us into faithful, caring people.