Two by Two

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.’ Luke 10:1-16

After a very full and glorious weekend celebrating our new diocesan bishop, we had to take the day to tackle long ignored chores. I was so grateful for a life partner and friend as we worked as a team to conquer some necessary tasks. I couldn't do it alone. And truly there is very little that any of us can do by ourselves. In fact, it becomes our ruin when we think we are where we are because of our personal skill, work and talent. Native people know how critical our whole communities, tribes and elders are to our lives. We never forget that we never do anything alone but rather our work is for the seventh generation yet unborn. Jesus sent his disciples out with no money or plans. He sent them out with a companion, a fellow laborer, trusting that the wisdom and support of a companion would strengthen each.

Wondrous Creator, you make us all in your image

diverse in language, custom and traditions

you settle us with companions and communities

so we may rely on the wisdom of the people.

Too often we think we are complete alone

and stumble because we cannot see the path 

we do not listen to the directions of our elders

and assume we got here by our own merit.

Take away our foolish pride and arrogance

and remake us humble and open of heart

so that we may continue to learn from others

and share your gracious love with all of creation. Amen.