Jesus calls the 12. He actually calls them back. They had dispersed just prior to getting commissioned as disciples to go out into the world. He tells them:
– Don’t take anything except hospitality. Rely on grace.
– Focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses.
– Use the gifts you already have. You have everything you need to share the good news with others.
– Don’t waste time on those who are not receptive. (in Lk. – those who are receptive are “people of Peace”)
Ex. Taylor Swift Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium.
– Prince William seen dancing with his children when she played Shake It Off. We all know about the heavy things the royal family has been dealing with recently.
– Even the soldiers at Buckingham Palace were dancing to Swift’s Shake It Off, in formation, during the changing of the guard. Usually stoic they were cutting loose and showing their sense of humor.
– Swift’s song Shake It Off was released in 2014 and the video has been seen over 3 billion times. She wrote it to shake off the negative press at the time, which was criticizing her personally and professionally. The song was her way of getting back, if you will. She is saying to the “haters” that she is smart, talented, and capable.
Ex. Classical composer, George Frederick Handel didn’t write his most famous work that is sung around the world, The Messiah, at his highest point. Handel had experienced a stroke that had left him unable to work. He was in poverty and was at
the lowest part of his life wondering if he was any good as a musician and composer. He wrote that there was one particular low night where he was so focused on his own shortcomings that he considered quitting everything.
However something shifted during that dark night of the soul. He began to focus not on himself and his troubles, but on the goodness and faithfulness of God. He began writing his famous work that we all have heard multiple times that next morning.
He was able to shake off the darkness and remember who he was as a child of God. The rest is history as they say… It is too easy to point out someone’s faults. Focusing on someone’s weaknesses won’t help. Whether it’s an individual, a group, or a church find out what that person or that group appreciates. They will begin to point you to their strengths. Inquiry: What do you appreciate about Calvary? While you’re thinking about that I want to ask for a show of hands –
– How many of you have been here less than a year?
– 3 years?, -5 years?,- 5-10 years?
-20 years?, -30 years or longer?
During your time here what has been really great? What do you appreciate about this church?
– What role did you play in that?
– What implications are there for today?
Being mindful, attentive, and hospitable.
If you’ve ever wondered – What can I do? What can we do? Being receptive and a person of peace is what makes the world a better place. Day by day and person by person. Stay positive and believe in the Holy Spirit and the power of the Good News
of Jesus Christ to carry the message as well as guide you. Otherwise anything else that is not receptive to the love of God you can learn to Shake it Off.
Thanks be to God. Amen.