How Do We Participate in the Mission of Christ?

Based on Matthew 10: 5-15

In today's Gospel, Jesus sends his Disciples into their own country asking them to proclaim the good news. "The kingdom of heaven has come near. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment, give without payment."

We might tend to think sometimes that the greatest of work takes place in some distant land. If we really want to make a difference in the world, we have to go somewhere. However, the work of proclaiming the kingdom of heaven needs to be done right here, right now, in this time, by us. The work that God has given us to do in the here and now is how God wants us to share the good news that the kingdom of heaven is near. Right around us in our own neighborhoods are the poor, the sick, the abandoned, people facing death most often alone, the marginalized, the broken and those with spirits in despair.

In verses 11 to 15 Jesus told his Disciples: "Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your word, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."

Jesus tells us to go where we are welcome, and if we are not welcome leave and shake the dust of our feet. As we get to the end of this Gospel, we hear about the lack hospitality of Sodom and Gomorrah and that those who reject God's messengers will not fair so well.

As we seek to bring the Gospel even in our own communities, there will be those who will not receive or listen to us. This is very often the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals. We bring a message of diversity, love and calling for justice and equality. We ask for our political and religious communities to look upon us as people who come with a pure, honest desire to love other people in the way God created us. Yet we hear over and over again, how religious right leaders and individuals look upon us, not as loving individuals created in the image and likeness of God, but as individuals who are condemned by God and the Church. As we make the attempt time and again to reach across party lines and enter houses of worship, we are greeted with rejection and compared with pedophiles, common criminals, those who commit incest or desire sex with animals. Even those who seek to live their lives married to an individual of the same sex in a loving, monogomous, committed relationship are told we are living in sin and there is no place for us in God's house, in our communities, in work places, in the military, in places where we can volunteer to help the poor and needy, we find rejection over and over.

By no means are we required by God or anyone else for that matter to stay in a place where we are not viewed as individuals created and loved by God. Thankfully, there are places of worship, employment, community activism, hospitals and even places where we can make a difference that we are welcomed. Our mission is to bring the Gospel of God's loving compassion, mercy and justice so that others may see the kingdom of heaven here on earth. As we become more visible in our homes and communities, we inspire others who are trapped in their closets to come out and be who they are. We raise up the spirits of those who are in despair and help them see, that they can live lives of love and compassion, just as they are, not as others would have them be. This kind of work, is the work of Jesus Christ and his message of Salvation. Jesus Christ set us free from sin, not to live in closets wearing masks and pretending we are no one important. Jesus Christ gave his life on the Cross and rose from the dead to make us the adopted daughters and sons of God. To share in God's presence in this world, and to see in each other God's creative and redemptive love.

Regardless of what our sexual orientation is, or race, or challenge, or faith, God empowers each of us through God's love and grace to work towards the establishment of the kingdom. To each of us is given the authority and mission to make the world around us a better place for all. That is why the health care reform debate is so important. It is about helping those who are sick be able to get the health care that they need. This is a work that is needed here and now. The work of God's kingdom on earth includes seeking the common good for every person, including those we consider unlovable.

How do we participate in the mission of Christ in our communities, homes, families and churches?

Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to reconcile the world to yourself. We praise and bless you for those whom you have sent in the power of the Spirit to preach the Gospel to all nations. We thank you that in all parts of the earth a community of love has been gathered together by their prayers and labors, and that in every place your servants call upon your Name; for the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, #3 For the Mission of the Church, Page 838).