Luke 5:1-11
We like to hear what we want to hear. It's much harder to accept challenges and this is what today's gospel presents us with. The very thing Peter wants to hear is that he's worthy. He sees only his sin, his errors against God and neighbor. Jesus is willing to overlook it all and say he is worthy.
In an era of painting people as worthless, you know, where ever you are on the political spectrum, or on the side of the issue determines your worth. If you are on whatever wrong side you are mot worthy, yet Jesus is here to say we are. Just look at who he goes to call today. Here we have four fishermen. Men just trying to make a living in the face of Roman occupation. Where speaking about Rome in the negative can get you killed. Because might and power is what Rome portrayed to the people it conquered.
Jesus comes along and right off in Luke we have his reaching out to the poor. The ones who aren't fed and now to four fishermen. Not Rabbi's, not schooled men, they would have left at 13 to learn their trade. It's no wonder Peter feels unworthy. Unworthy makes us isolated, isolating ourselves and isolated by others. Isolation is what we desire. It helps us to keep perspective on our unworthiness. We tell ourselves nobody wants to hang around us, therefore we are unworthy.
Last night PBS had on the story of Mister Roger's Neighborhood. Fred Rogers knew children needed to hear they are worthy and they are special. He ended his program with that song. See the thing Mr. Roger's knew was the biblical story. He was ordained a minister and what his program gave was how each person is unique. Whether it was sticking his feet in the pool with officer Clemmons because he was black and black and whites weren't supposed to be in the neighborhood pool together. Or in a child in a wheelchair, who had many special needs, being featured as a guest. They talked about his challenges and sang the special song together.
The thing is no matter how we feel the gospel good news is we are worthy. Worthy enough to be disciples. Worthy enough to follow Jesus. Worthy enough to be called and all else, doesn't matter. Because each issue we think is so important right now, won't last. The thing which lasts is how we treat one another. Jesus has called us to spread this way of worthiness to everyone. Not as a measure, but as abundant as God keeps showing us his love is.
So tell the world it is worthy. Stop the fighting, listen, remember this person is also God's child. We are all a part of God's family and this time won't last long. Be sure to reach out beyond the isolation and tell one another you too are worthy. Amen.
We like to hear what we want to hear. It's much harder to accept challenges and this is what today's gospel presents us with. The very thing Peter wants to hear is that he's worthy. He sees only his sin, his errors against God and neighbor. Jesus is willing to overlook it all and say he is worthy.
In an era of painting people as worthless, you know, where ever you are on the political spectrum, or on the side of the issue determines your worth. If you are on whatever wrong side you are mot worthy, yet Jesus is here to say we are. Just look at who he goes to call today. Here we have four fishermen. Men just trying to make a living in the face of Roman occupation. Where speaking about Rome in the negative can get you killed. Because might and power is what Rome portrayed to the people it conquered.
Jesus comes along and right off in Luke we have his reaching out to the poor. The ones who aren't fed and now to four fishermen. Not Rabbi's, not schooled men, they would have left at 13 to learn their trade. It's no wonder Peter feels unworthy. Unworthy makes us isolated, isolating ourselves and isolated by others. Isolation is what we desire. It helps us to keep perspective on our unworthiness. We tell ourselves nobody wants to hang around us, therefore we are unworthy.
Last night PBS had on the story of Mister Roger's Neighborhood. Fred Rogers knew children needed to hear they are worthy and they are special. He ended his program with that song. See the thing Mr. Roger's knew was the biblical story. He was ordained a minister and what his program gave was how each person is unique. Whether it was sticking his feet in the pool with officer Clemmons because he was black and black and whites weren't supposed to be in the neighborhood pool together. Or in a child in a wheelchair, who had many special needs, being featured as a guest. They talked about his challenges and sang the special song together.
The thing is no matter how we feel the gospel good news is we are worthy. Worthy enough to be disciples. Worthy enough to follow Jesus. Worthy enough to be called and all else, doesn't matter. Because each issue we think is so important right now, won't last. The thing which lasts is how we treat one another. Jesus has called us to spread this way of worthiness to everyone. Not as a measure, but as abundant as God keeps showing us his love is.
So tell the world it is worthy. Stop the fighting, listen, remember this person is also God's child. We are all a part of God's family and this time won't last long. Be sure to reach out beyond the isolation and tell one another you too are worthy. Amen.
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