Sermon Notes, Pentecost +4 (Year C)

Long Passages today… with a LOT of detail in them.

Emphasis on healing, and cleansing
On being rescued, and restored.
On reconciliation, and reconnection in community.

Powerful messages!
Naaman’s miraculous healing would have been known within the Jewish community – and therefore known and remembered by the disciples.
The psalmist’s acknowledgement of grief and challenge – which every life experiences – being clothed with joy – not taken away, but life of faith being larger than the overwhelming pain of a broken heart. And thus, prayer and praise can resume. The community heard this, and could draw strength from it.
The reminder of the participation in the ministry of the church – as described in Pauls’ letter – was well known within this community. Paul describes it – “Let us never tire of doing good. … Let us work for the good of all.”

And so we engage with the Gospel today…
Jesus begins this healing ministry – MAJOR undertaking.
70 or 72 folks, being sent off in pairs.
NOTE: In pairs: for we are never sent alone. Sharing the good news is never a solo venture. How comforting and encouraging!

And so they go off, into town and homes to speak to countless people…
Sharing the UNBELIEVABLE news that the Kingdom is NEAR!
And despite being told that they will face opposition (lambs/wolves)
Jesus suggests that they make themselves even MORE vulnerable than they are.

Not modern strategy…
Today’s culture: Gird your loins, be prepared for every eventuality, take enough to look after yourself. Be independent!

But Jesus:
No purse.
No bag.
No sandals.
No distractions.

Turning what could have been a very brag-worthy experience into a very humble one.

Ministry – evangelism - isn’t about theatrics
It’s about hospitality.
And those who wish to share about hospitality need to know what it’s like to receive hospitality.

And note: Jesus doesn’t send them with nothing…
“whatever house you enter, first say “PEACE TO THIS HOUSE”
Not something tangible – but something better.
What a gift: to offer the gift of peace.

Peace – extend peace; if returned take it back.
How do you ‘return’ peace?
You don’t. You can reject it or refuse it – in which case the disciples’ departure respects the position of that house, but also reminds them that they still have peace to offer.
Shake off any hard feelings, remind yourself of the mission of God, and move forward.

But extend peace.
Always extend peace.
And invite people to share what they have as well.

What a model of graciousness, too, for the disciples to receive the gift that they are offered.
Could be hummus and crackers, and they are to receive it. Enjoy it.
Meals don’t need to be lobster and caviar to be a generous offering.
In the giving and receiving of gifts, the reign of God comes closer to the human community.

Stay where you are, Jesus says: for that is the first place to start ministry.
Engage with the people who are with you. Learn about them, share your time and conversation, your faith, your joy, your challenges.
For these are the people that God has put in your path; just as God has put you in their path.

Receive the gifts that are offered: this hospitality
And offer your own.
Your peace.
Your healing.

Jewish culture – also shared the promises of the Messiah –
A promise whose job was to turn the world right side up.

So to hear that the kingdom of God is near: from unlikely messengers, in comfortable cozy surroundings: became that humble transmission of hope. Of healing. Of joy, and of peace.

SO may be we be so encouraged with the faith to into the world: humbly offering what we know, in the truth of Jesus Christ.
May we be vulnerable enough to receive the gifts that are offered to us, even the ones we may don’t expect or understand: for all offerings in the name of God are gifts from God’s beloved.

May we be moved and inspired by the promises of God, as shared with us in the scriptures today:
That we may be healed
restored.
and reconnected with community: proclaiming that the Kingdom of God truly has come near.