“And who is my neighbor?” That’s the question that precedes Jesus parable in today’s Gospel lesson. The story that has come to be called the Good Samaritan.
Who needs your help today? Who needs you to act with mercy towards them? Who is your neighbor?
We so often write our names without even thinking much about it. On checks, or credit card receipts, on birthday cards, and so many other places. Do you ever think about rejoicing that your name is written in heaven? In today’s Gospel reading Jesus tells us to do just that.
On this 4th of July weekend, take a moment from the fireworks and cookouts to rejoice that our loving Lord and God has written your name as one of his beloved.
A few special announcements on outreach and fellowship opportunities. Also, be sure and check out the separate posting on the “Undies for Everyone” campaign.
In this week’s Gospel lesson, we hear the story of the man possessed by demons who is healed by Jesus. And yet the people who lived in that region were frightened by what had happened and asked Jesus to leave. In fact the words used were “they were seized with great fear”. While the text doesn’t specify what, exactly, they were frightened by, we can easily image a few possibilities. Loss of income? Check. The unknown? Check. Having to change our comfortable little lives? Yup, been there too. Their reaction to the miracle that had just been done was all too predictable. And all too human.
But notice too the reaction of the man who had been healed. He first asked to go with Jesus. And when told that wasn’t possible, he went home as asked and proclaimed how much had been done for him throughout the city. Doesn’t sound like he was frightened.
Funny thing is, the closer you get to Jesus, the less frightened you become.
As we come to the end of the season of Easter and head towards Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit, we ponder again the wonder of Christ’s sacrifice for us and the love that still defies logic. In times of pain, of grief, we turn again to that love.
In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus prepares to finish his ministry on earth, telling his followers of the coming of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit and saying “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). The world gives us much to fear these days. God, through Christ, offers lasting Peace.
