Mission and Ministry

Gospel: Luke 4: 38-44

After Jesus announced the arrival of his mission on earth in his home town, he sets about to do the work.  He liberates people from the demons that imprison them.  He heals people of all their various infirmities.  He nourishes people at table with food, drink, and his very presence.  That's it.  That is the work of Jesus in every town where he goes.  He never deviates from that mission.  It is about liberating, healing, and nourishing people.

People curious about Jesus want to know what he is about, and he invites them to follow him, to come and see.  So they do, and they follow for a while, but then after a while they stop following.  They were fine with being healed, liberated, and nourished by Jesus.  But when it comes to actually doing that work for others, well, then not so much.  It's hard work.  How can it be monetized so it benefits our self-interest, our influence and power?  

The authentic faith and practice of Christian living consists in doing these things Jesus did, and in supporting one another in that work.  The pseudo religion creates all sorts of vicarious activities that can be monetized and used for influence and power.  Many are turned off by the pseudo religion and cast aside all religion as like unto it.  But the real faith is there and being practiced.  Today is a day for discerning how we might live out this work of Jesus in our own lives and communities, just as Peter's mother-in-law did.