The Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 8: Year C
“And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Thenthey went on to another village.” (Luke 9:52 – 59)
The Samaritans are people who Jesus often showed as examples of godly love. The Woman at the well who said, “come see a man who has told me everything I have ever done,” (John 4). And, the Good Samaritan of Luke (10: 30 – 37), who tended to the man left for dead by robbers. So Jesus saw the love of the Samaritans. But they were also very tribal.
Samaritans did not like the Israelites or anyone who liked the Israelites. So when they saw that Jesus was going to Jerusalem they cut him and his followers off. It’s the old saying that the friend of my enemy is my enemy. But this attitude does not work. All of us have been gifted by God to be friendly with people regardless of who they like of don’t like. The trouble is, we choose not to.
When James and John asked if they could call down fire on them Jesus turned and rebuked them. This is some insight as to the power that they had through Jesus. It seems to be no doubt that they could do such a thing, but needed permission to do so. They forget however, that when Jesus sent them out in pairs to heal and cast out demons he said to them, receive those who receive you. And, if they don’t receive you just knock off the dust from your shoes and keep on moving. But even to them, let them know that the kingdom of heaven has come near.
We also have those who want to follow Jesus, But! Words like but and however, often flip the script. Basically, Jesus says there is no but. People can be faith-dead before their bodies give out. Jesus says let them bury themselves. People come up with reasons to not follow their hearts now and in the moment. Jesus says for us to make up our minds and keep it moving, don’t look back. I like to quote Nike here, “Just Do It!”
So, there is no part of Jesus that retaliates or procrastinates. Jesus loves those who do not accept Him as much as He loves those who hesitates in their following, and as much as He love us who follow without pause. We get nothing extra for being dedicated followers. We are the dedicated assistants of Christ Jesus for the glory of God. And that is reward in itself. As followers of Jesus we should not retaliate or procrastinate either. Accept those who accept you. Be patient with those who do not accept you in this moment. Be pleasant to all. Try to love all.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (Proper 8, BCP p. 230)
Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 