In a world of dichotomy, Martha and Mary are not at odds, rather it is how does one order one’s life. What comes first and how do we order the time that we have been given. How might we shape our day to respond in love rather than react in exasperation? Jesus speaks to our innermost weakness and desire in this week’s gospel. Come and sit for a second so that your work might be fueled with love.
The parables of Jesus are not intended to satisfy us. They are intended to shock and scandalize us. To challenge and convict us.
The poet Mary Oliver asks the essential question, ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’ I think Jesus answers in our gospel lesson today by saying ‘become more aware of fallen angels among us trying to impose their will on others.’ And the reason Jesus says the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, is because Jesus invites us to be like God and not submit to the contagion of violence.
The Hot weather seems to make us all a bit “hot and bothered,” Jesus speaks to his disciples about the importance of focus as they follow him. His words are sharp yet full of endurance and sustenance.
In a world covered by shadow, the demoniac becomes the very gift of light. And as we can, where we can, even in a moment such as this, we must choose life and walk in that light.
By embracing LGBTQ+ people to be a part of our community, we become a more perfect reflection of the Triune God. This, my friends, is why we celebrate a Pride Eucharist.
By those graces we can pray, Come Holy Spirit, and enkindle in the hearts of your faithful the fire of your Love … and we can mean it.
In that liminal space between what was and what would be, they had a choice. They could give themselves over to despair or they could trust Jesus’ promise. And in the Ascensiontide of our lives, we have the same choice.
We cannot forget who and whose we are, if we wish to have a legacy in this world. It will not be for the money, or success or achievement that we are remembered—Jesus’ gifts are not the way the world works, remember. It will be in the ways we loved.
Friends, we live in a sinful, broken world. We do not have to look farther than today’s headlines to see that. But we are people of resurrection hope. A community rooted in “agape”; the love of Jesus Christ. And we are called to be signs of that love. To be a healing, reconciling, despair-conquering sign of joy to the world.
