I have been reminding us of the importance of reading the text rather than thinking we know what it says.
Today’s scripture is one of those that we can easily confuse with the sending of the 12 disciples, which occurs in all three synoptic gospels. Luke sends the 12 disciples out in chapter 9 with very similar instructions to those found in today’s reading.
This led me to do a bit more research about the similarities and differences in the two stories. The similarities which can lead us to confuse the two include:
- Take “no baggage” only what they are wearing
- Find a home who will receive them and stay there
- If they are not received in a town, “shake the dust off” their feet as a sign of coming judgment against them
- Announce “the kingdom of God has come near”
However, the differences are also worth noting:
- Luke 9 uses just the 12 disciples which is symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel. Matthew even names that they are to go to “the lost sheep of Israel.” Whereas, Luke 10 sends 72 which correlates with the Genesis 10 account of the descendants of Noah which populate the earth. Therefore, this message is for everyone rather than only Israel.
- Luke 10 has a sense of urgency and danger. So, they are to “greet no one on the road” as that would have taken up important time and they are “as lambs among wolves” which leads into the judgments against some of the towns in the next verses.
- And when the 12 returned, Jesus took them off by themselves to rest. Whereas when the 72 return, Jesus proclaims “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” as the forces of evil were impeded.
Another piece of both of these stories, is the importance of collaboration, which is the piece that I want to focus on.
Jesus’ directions to go out in pairs meant they were to work together, as this work is not meant to be done individually. Then his direction was not to take along any extra provisions, which meant they had to depend on the hospitality of those they met, and deeper connections would be made. The power of their testimonies and healings would be greater. All of which was proven true.
This points towards the truth of our interdependence; however, we prefer to think of ourselves as independent. We want to serve others – to give out of our abundance. It makes us feel good about ourselves. But Jesus challenges this thinking and calls for us to be vulnerable and connect through our needs so that those we serve can also serve us. This levels the power dynamic and puts us “on equal footing” with those we are helping.
Stop and think for a moment about when you were helping someone else.
Did you think you needed as much help as they did? I know I haven’t. This also helped me to think about the truth that we cannot be healers unless we ourselves are healing. Carl Jung’s theory of the “wounded healer” suggests that our wounds give us a unique perspective to relate to another who is wounded. In helping another find healing, healing comes for us too – not a healing of removing the wound but making meaning in the woundedness and finding peace.
Our wounds give us common ground for healing. If we deny that we need healing, we cannot heal. This is at the root of our toxic individuality, which is hurting us and causing more division.
Think of those you know who think they have no faults, no need to confess, no need for forgiveness. They are difficult to be around. When we demand that things be the way we want them, that we only sing the songs we like, then we leave no room for the diversity which is in every aspect of God’s creation.
It is like the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, do it alone. If you want to go far, do it together.”
And today on this World Communion Sunday, it seems very fitting that all around the world we are remembering Jesus and the meal he shared with the disciples.
A meal that he has invited us all to share equally. All are welcome. All are fed. We share the bread of life and the cup of forgiveness, knowing that we are all in need of healing and that Christ meets us here, offering meaning and peace to all. Thanks be to God!
May it be so. Amen.
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