Sunday, June 18, 2023

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7
– Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
– Second Reading: Romans 5:1-8
– Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:35-10:9 (9-23)

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

In the gospels, this is the only reference to the disciples as apostles.  We are called to both active discipleship and apostleship too.  To be a disciple is to sit at the feet of Jesus and to receive his Word and allow that to form us.  To be his apostle is to realize that it is not enough to learn about God, but we must live this relationship—we are sent—we are commissioned by our Lord and Savior to go out there in this world and do the work that God wants done here.

While much can be learned by looking at each verse of this wonderful passage, I do believe there are major themes here worthy of our consciousness as we go out in the world to do both big and little things in the name, spirit, and power of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is, in essence saying: “You are the equipment.”  Yes, you are the equipment. 

The instructions of Jesus are clear here.  When you are on the way to proclaim, and cure, and cleanse, and heal—when you are on your way working for God, you do not need a boatload of money, extra gear, education, or any exact thing—all you need is you.  You don’t even need the fanciest video equipment or the most fantastic worship band or even the marketing campaign to beat all.

YOU are the equipment.  You are not to wait for someone who has more Biblical knowledge.  You are not to hand this task off to someone who is hired to do it on your behalf.  You are not to obsess over questions about if you have the right gifts or not.

So, realize that YOU are the equipment and then, “Get on with it!”  That’s right, “get on with it!”  YOU are the equipment.

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk