When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place.
He 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.
Last month the State of Arizona passed their draconian immigration law. The law requires police officers to ask for papers from anyone that they pull over who looks like they could be an illegal immigrant. Many people have been rightly concerned that this law has very bad consequences for immigrants as well as America as a whole. It is raising the reality that the conversation about racism in the United States is one that we must be willing to continue to engage in. America as a nation still does not recognize in every person regardless of race, gender, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, individuals with the opportunity to pursue "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". The Arizona law gives law enforcement the power to look at an individual and suggest that if they look like they could be from somewhere else, other than the United States, they can be pulled over, investigated and put in jail.
The Gospel for today shows Jesus in a predicament in which people in his own town are judging his knowledge and worth by who his parents are, who his relatives are, and the occupation of his father. The community in which Jesus is living as like so many of us today, judges a person by the reputation of what people know or think they know. Because of people's disbelief in who Jesus is and what Jesus can do, based on what people think about him, Jesus is not able to do any miracles or change people's hearts.
This is now taking place in the Country of Uganda. American Evangelicals acting as "Missionaries of Hate" as the film portrays, have helped people in Uganda gain completely false notions about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. This misinformation has led to the creation and discussion of a bill that if passed will mean that known homosexuals will either be confined in prison for life, or executed by hanging. Parents, teachers and Pastor's who become aware that an individual is LGBT will have 24 hours to report that individual or face prison time themselves, if this bill gets passed. The atmosphere towards homosexuality in Uganda is so severe that parents now think that it is better for their LGBT daughters and sons to face the death penalty, rather than be their LGBT children. Because of the stereotypical message about homosexuality that has been spread in Uganda by American Evangelicals, a country where the atmosphere for LGBT people was already difficult, has been made even more dangerous. In Uganda, LGBT people are now known as individuals who want to train children how to eat human waste.
It is so important that more people get to know lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people, as the loving and wonderful people that we are. People need to know, now as much as ever that we are individuals who are married (even if not equally) to our partners, dating our significant other and seeking to be holy and wholesome people. LGBT people have such a great opportunity to show that we are so much more than all of the stereotypes that we are labeled with. In some cases, we can demonstrate that some of the stereotypes we are known by are absolutely wonderful. Some of the best nurses of our time are gay men. Some of the best auto mechanics are lesbian women. Some of the finest lawyers, doctors, fire fighters, soldiers, police officers, politicians, Priests, Bishops, Deacons, organists and musicians and so many more, are LGBT. As we live out our daily lives, we are empowered by God's Holy Spirit to be witnesses to her wonderful graces working in and through us.
Let today be the day when LGBT people, and people of other races and cultures, challenges and genders help change people's hearts and minds. May today be the day that more and more people open their hearts and minds to the possible reality that there are good people who are not like they are, but are just as wonderful and full of spiritual and personal potential.
O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth: Put away from us, we entreat you, all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect Proper 4, Book of Common Prayer, Page 229).
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, Page 815).
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Oppressed, Book of Common Prayer, Page 826).
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