Accent Marks

Gospel: Luke 10: 1-12

What we emphasize in a story or passage says a lot about us as people in that moment.  In today's reading we will often find stressed the punishment of those who reject us as disciples.  Here the emphasis is on the fate of other people for a decision they make, the fate being the destruction and ruin of those we would deem to be our enemies.  What does such an emphasis say or mean about us?

Instead, what if we reflected on other aspects of the story: the fact that Jesus sent us out to live simple, humble lives with few possessions; the fact that we are sent to be among people, accepting whatever they provide for us like pilgrims; the fact that we are called to be among people in order to provide healing from illnesses; or the fact that we are called to announce the Good News of God's mercy extended to all in advance of God's kingdom coming among us.  

In reflecting on this list of considerations, now we place the emphasis in the right place, now we are considering our own behaviors and not those of others.  We are now not focused on thoughts of vengeance and glee over the destruction of those who reject us, but instead we see if we measure up to what Jesus calls us to do and be in this passage.