Today’s author is Rev. Ruth Sorenson, Director of Spiritual Care at Lyngblomsten.
Put yourself in this story for a minute: when Jesus commands you to go on your way proclaiming peace and that the kingdom of God is near, tell me, do you get a knot in your stomach? I do! I’d be looking around for a sign up for training, a webinar, or a handbook at the very least. And yet, Jesus is pretty short with his orientation: “Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road.” In other words, don’t bring your own meals, don’t count on good walking shoes, danger abounds, yes, you are like lambs surrounded by wolves, and by all means, don’t stop to ask for directions. Yeah, I don’t know about you, but the knot in my stomach is growing.
What is it for you? Is it about being afraid of the wolves? Don’t think you have much to offer? Pretty sure you are the least qualified? When I read this story with residents at Lyngblomsten they can come up with lists that are pretty long about why they can’t possibly be the ones that Jesus uses. Age, mobility, memory, physical therapy schedules. They did their work and now they are retired, or the stroke makes them unable to articulate their words like they used to. I’m sure you can come up with your own reasons, too. And here’s the thing. Your excuses or well-thought-out reasons? They don’t matter. Jesus gives you what we need, no orientation necessary.
The first is each other: look around you. Your friends and neighbors of faith are more valuable than extra bags and spare socks will ever be. These friends and neighbors of faith are the ones who show us the face of God, they are the ones we turn to when we need a smile, encouragement, a listening ear, a laugh, a reminder that we are all children of God. The next thing Jesus gives us is the Spirit, the advocate to guide us. In our baptisms we hear those beautiful words that we are marked with the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit and nothing can take that away. And the last thing that Jesus gives us is his very self. Jesus comes to us not when we are ready or deserve it or have completed orientation. Jesus comes to be God with us, lavishing us with grace, forgiveness, and life beyond what we can imagine. Jesus meets us right where we are and says, “I am with you and it’s all you need- go on your way! Proclaim peace! The kingdom of God has come near!