Indigenous Peoples' Day

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” Matthew 10:5-15 

Folks came among us thinking we needed to be saved, yet we were welcoming, hospitable and generous. Indigenous people saved many foolish city folk from starvation, sharing their goods and food to keep others alive. And yet, we were killed with misunderstanding, violence and greed. We did not keep things or places for ourselves alone. We were considered less than. We needed to be "discovered", folks thought, because we hadn't destroyed and over used our enviroment. We acted in a Christian manner, yet were considered uncivilized and expendable.

Jesus sent the disciples to their own people. He asked them to live simply and kindly among the folks, bringing good news and healing. In the history of Christianity this passage has been used to missoinize the heathens and savages, while Jesus told them to go to their own people. We are invited to hear Jesus today - to heal our own houses, sharing everything and being carriers of peace.

May we all, on this Indigenous Peoples Day, remember those who have share generously by living humbly and working tirelessly to bring healing at home.