Sermon - June 21, 2020

<p>During the last few months at home we’ve exhausted our collection of recipes, of both favorite home-cooked meals and quick and easy dinners.  We have certainly missed the luxury of eating out, not only for the uniqueness of the food but also for the break from the work in the kitchen.  When we finally decided to get carry-out from one of our favorite local restaurants, we excitedly looked over the menu with so many of our favorite items and chose carefully from the long list.  Whereas before we would just pick whatever struck us in the mood of the minute, we now went over and over the choices, no longer taking the choice for granted.  With carryout boxes open on our kitchen table we enjoyed the indulgence of these much missed treats, savoring every bite.  We relished in the savory foods until, a couple of hours later, they sat sour on our stomachs.  Cooking at home for weeks and weeks, our bodies weren’t accustomed to digesting these rich foods and they labored to process them as we felt tired, a little sick and disappointed.  The good news of the gospel today sits on my stomach like too-rich food that I’m not accustomed to digesting and I struggle to process it.  I’m tempted, because of my discomfort, if -- like the carryout food -- I can just avoid it. </p> <p>Today Jesus continues his instructions to the twelve disciples that we began last week as he prepares them to go out into the world, bringing healing and wholeness.  They have been instructed to take nothing but themselves and are to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.  Today Jesus speaks directly to the growing unease in the pits of the disciples stomachs, as he acknowledges the reality of the risk, danger and discomfort of discipleship.  The Pharisees have accused Jesus of healing in the name of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, and yet the disciples are to proclaim Jesus’ message from the housetops!  Jesus’ message will put the disciples' very lives at risk and he simply offers God’s favor and overflowing love as comfort for the journey.  Finally J