Psalms: (120), 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, (127); Nathum 1:1-13; 1 Peter 1:13-25; Matthew 19:13-22In Matthew today, a number of little children are being brought to Jesus, the disciples try and chase them away, probably thinking to protect him, and Jesus tells them to let the little ones come to him. This is immediately followed by a young man asking how to be holy, even though he already keeps all the teachings Jesus tells him he must in order to be holy. Jesus then gives him more: to sell all his possessions, give them to the poor and then follow along after him. The young individual leaves Jesus' presence "grieving" because he has many possessions.
Jesus is good for all age groups, all generations, all genders. He is willing to teach his disciples (constantly), young children (always), young adults. Jesus gives life lessons on how to create the kingdom, here and now among us, which all individuals, no matter age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income level, can benefit and learn. Today he teaches his disciples by word and example how to treat and be involved with children, their parents, each other and those seeking to be members. Children, he lays his hands on publicly and blesses; disciples, he says let them come, they will not be a bother to me; wealthy and religious minded, we are never done being asked to do and give more. We are never too old or too young to learn what it means to be one of his disciples.
No matter what "time zone" are we in, what can we learn from Jesus today?
jfd+
Copyright 2011, The Rev. John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.
Art: Untitled Cross, 2009, jfd+
No comments:
Post a Comment