[This is part 2 of our summer series on apostleship. The series is loosely based on the lectionary.]
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Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
After calling his followers to go out into the world, Jesus warned them that it would be difficult. But, as we read last week, he said that it all depends on welcome. Welcoming and being welcomed. Then this week, we have frustration and disappointment.
This feels like two sides of what it means to “be good”. Being good involves generosity, faithfulness, and the courage to encourage others. And sometimes, the commitment to being good leads to the assumption that we are good.
We might embody this strange sense of trying to balance ourselves: being as generous and sure in our faith as we can while also avoiding hubris.
Doesn’t it seem like Jesus really is trying to get us to stop being so full of ourselves? So certain of our correctness? And so forceful with our way? Besides, isn’t he the one telling us to fear not and trust in him? Not because we’re right or because we’re supposed to be certain, but because we can simply trust him?
He’s telling us the burden is light. We really can let go of that certainty.
With love,
Drew