Sent Out

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 laborer 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 judgement than for that town. Matthew 10:5-15

The newly called disciples were sent out on a mission. Jesus specifically told them to not expect payment, to eat and sleep among the people, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers and cast out demons. I cannot imagine giving those instructions to someone in the ordination process today. They were limited to the house of Israel, in this Gospel. I assume it was because Mathew was writing to the Jewish people of his time. The other Gospels do not include these inhibitions. No matter, these were newly called, freshly minted disciples, and Jesus was helping them find their way in ministry. Too often we want regard and an excellent salary when we step out in faith to carry the Good News. Our call is not to those things. Our call is to trust God in everything, sharing the good news of Christ, and living as those who know God's love is enough for every occasion. So easy to say, so very hard to do. I imagine the first disciples might have said something like, "yeah, right" to one another as they set out. To change our minds and way of being though, we have to step out in faith, without a safety net, and live wholly trusting God.

Gracious Creator, source of all life

you entrust us with carrying your love

despite our feeble and limited attempts

you continue to believe in our capacity.

We too often don't trust your faithfulness

we disregard your ways and go our own

we think are cleaver and can solve problems 

when in truth we are useless on our own.

Help us to drop our comfortable baggage

and turn completely to you in every moment

let our lives and our actions be your sign

of your love and healing for our present age. Amen.