Topic: Lectionary
Easter 7 (year c)
psalm 97, john 17 .20-26, acts 16 .16-34, revelation 22 .12-14,16-17,20-21
While [the slave girl] followed Paul and us, she would cry out, "These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation." She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out. . . (Acts 16 .17—18a)
Meditation: Paul shouted in a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16 .28—30)
Reflection: In the midst of violence and death, the disciples choose to offer life to those who rejected and abused them. Ultimately, we are not called to avoid oppression, suffering, or even death but to answer it with life, mercy, and hope. Michaela Bruzzese
We are very comfortable in the United States; comfortable in our provision, with our entertainment choices, food selection and availability, etc. Our lives here have many choices. This consumerism is evident in our Churches as well; Our church buildings, our church style options, decorations, even how padded our pews are (or seats for our contemporary choices) so that our Christian buts are comfortable while we bring our "sacrifice" of praise each Sunday.
What is really surrendered in our style of following Jesus? You know, that prophet with the wild claims about being God... The one who said ridiculous things to his folks and acquaintances about placing others first, and more importantly, placing ourselves at the back of the line.
We want to relegate Jesus to a whole different level of humanity (as well we should), but often confuse his ability as unattainable. After all, "He is God and I am not!" "He knew people's thoughts and hearts," as if to say that that made his way easier than ours. Really?
I'm sure knowing everything has its advantages, but the things that Jesus asks of us (and in fact modeled to us--fully expecting the disciples to reciprocate) is to learn his response to every situation, finding the godly, moral way ,which always reflects God's grace, justice, and mercy, requiring our servitude--Our selflessness to the point of sacrifice for God and others. And at all costs, those who are oppressed, marginalized, and kept at arms distance.
As we think this week about how we silently demand God to bless, even our inappropriate grasping for comfort as entitlement in our comfortable churches, expecting nary a problem to befall us,...
Consider: Paul & Silas singing in a dungeon, after delivering one swept up in the popular religion (and its props), and as a result of this 'Jesus style' sacrifice, God is glorified in worship... "In that very Hour!" Hmmmm... Maybe we've missed something...
