Hometowns

Jesus left that place and 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 

Whenever I think of the town I grew up in, I think of the train station. Although my Dad was the Presbyterian Minister in town, most of the fathers (in the 50s and 60s) boarded the train for New York City every day. It was a commuter town, the train station being a huge part of the downtown landscape. It felt like we were all destined to go somewhere else. Jesus too was destined to move from his hometown so his power could be seen and understood.  He might have been powerless in his hometown, but he was able to empower others and sent them from that place to do great things. We are invited to remember the places we feel powerless and know that we are being sent on and empowered for greater things.

Loving Creator, we are made in your image

yet often fail to see your mark within us

our families and communities can hide

the true gifts you have implanted within us.

To know your true power, you had to move

your followers had to be sent to strange places

your love was abundant and ever increasing

to all those who would make love welcome.

Let us be those who are willing to go

to distant and unfamiliar shores

so that your love might flourish again

so the world might receive your blessings. Amen