This week’s title comes from the Gospel passage, Matthew 10:24-39 and is a bit harsh. The section in Matthew Deacon Meribah will read on Sunday is one of those, in my experience, often glazed over because we don’t know what to do with it. This is a passage that can give credence to those whose brand of Christianity leans hard into oppressive theology and toxic masculinity. Over the course of the last week, while mulling this over in my mind in preparation to preach Sunday, I had a wonderful visit with Trinity member Sherre Smith, and we talked a little bit about this. But also the general divisiveness that has rocked American Christianity for the past… well, since the founding, but more recently the past decade.
The act to be a Christian, or to claim Christianity is to follow the leader, this being Jesus. So how come so many people who claim to follow this Middle Eastern rabbi from the first century have so many different responses to the Gospel passages? This is what I’d like you to sit with, dear reader, in preparation for Sunday. Ask yourselves the following question:
“How do these words of Jesus sit with me, and why does it make me feel this way?”
As you mull that over, read this passage from Micah 7:3,4 (NRSV);
“Their hands are skilled to do evil; the official and the judge ask for a bribe, the powerful dictate what they desire; thus they pervert justice.”
House keeping items:
Pop-Up Dinners are happening now! It’s not too late to sign up for one, please click here to do so. It’ll be a deliciously good time!
Tuesday is the Food for Thought Mobile Pantry here at Trinity. The volunteer slots are filled up but that doesn’t mean we still couldn’t use your help, so we’ll be here from 10-12.
Grace and Peace,
George Benson (he/him)
(Picture credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/few-man-woman-discussion-3361949/)