Thursday, October 24, 2024
Gospel Reflection: PErsistence
The Rev. Rob Stevens
Matthew 13:54-58
Jesus came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.
I admire persistence, people that just keep at it and don’t lose heart. It’s inspiring.
That’s what this reading opens for me. Even Jesus had moments when it wasn’t going well. He had sermons and teachings that fell flat…yet he persisted…not to convince or cajole but to love. This is where our theology can get out of whack. Our work as humans and as Christians is about loving people NOT converting or convincing…that is God’s job. Aaron’s sermon this past Sunday entitled “The Cup We Share” reminded us of this work to love. (If you missed it here is the link and very worth a listen). https://youtu.be/jj4vgjV-J9I
But still…I like to see results and the fruit of my labor. I am slowly learning that sometimes that isn’t going to happen. A mentor of mine, The Rev. John Drebelbis, once said to me, “Rob, you are going to do great things…thank God most of the time you’ll never know it.” Ha! He knew me well and he was so good at teasing me and helping me to see that my work was to love and not get too far ahead of myself. One of my favorite Disney animated movies is Frozen 2. In it the protagonist sings about grief in a song called “The Next Right Thing.” Now you may be saying, “C’mon Rob, Disney?” Yet, I encourage you to watch this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFkClV2gM-s
Doing the next right thing in the face of despair is persistence! Loving in the face of hate, caring for those who are marginalized, giving a platform for those who have been silenced to raise their voices, and simply being kind to ourselves and one another is the work that Jesus gives us each day. Now more than ever in my lifetime this work of love is needed. Not just by the loved, but also by the lover. This work of Love reminds us that we are all one, we are all connected and need each other…and that we deny that to our peril.
Jesus did not let his encounter in his hometown deter him…he persisted, he loved, he did the next right thing. Being a disciple of Jesus means to follow him, to take his lead. Let’s do that and persist in Loving.