Hometown Blues

He 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 offence 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

My real hometown was a rundown seaside, end of the line, kind of place. Once a majestic, Victorian religious retreat, it had become unfashionable and overlooked. Now, it has again become a wealthy, fashionable enclave, so very few of the former residents can afford to live. Our 1820s former federal-style home was torn down and replaced. The floorboards have become the floorboards in the local Harriet Tubman museum (today is her feast day) so I occasionally go and stand barefoot on our former floors. Our house was reported to have been on the underground railroad. Many of the homes we all have had are gone and we can't return to them. Jesus couldn't do much good in his hometown. Yet he quickly turned his frustration and grief into teaching and empowering his disciples for ministry. We are reminded today to shake the dust off and do what we can do, to those who will receive us.

Loving Creator, you formed us from the dust

making a magnificent multi-cultural world

and you breathe your life into each of us.

We live in a divided and troubled world

some hometowns are being destroyed 

and we want so badly to return to them.

Help us continue on the journey you made

leaving hometowns and comforts behind

and trusting completely in your healing love. Amen.