Continuing the Work

Gospel: Matthew 4: 12-23

After John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus took up his work, going into Galilee to preach the same message as John: to repent and to realize the kingdom of God is now in our midst.  Jesus adds the ministry of healing to the mission, curing people of whatever disease and illness they have.  Along the way Jesus invites other people to join him in proclaiming this message and in going about healing others, liberating them from their demons, and nourishing people at table.  

There are a variety of ways we can undertake this work.  Visiting the sick in hospitals and nursing homes.  Visiting those in prison.  Providing care and assistance to immigrants, migrants, and refugees.  Feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and providing clothing to the naked at a variety of different shelters.  Offering shelter and building homes for those who are homeless and insecure.  These are the works of mercy to which we are called to undertake in the world.  These are the instruments of healing all of us can wield.  

The work of the Christian is not chaplain and apologist to the empire.  It is not to be a culture warrior or social justice warrior.  It is not to be about media empires or institutions of power and privilege.  The work of the Christian is to follow the Lord Jesus and to engage in the work he did on earth.  We repent of our sins when we provide direct care to the needy and vulnerable, for their presence convicts us of our sin of self-interest, indifference, and privilege that creates these conditions in the first place.