Shake it off

 Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

The commentator this week suggested Taylor Swift's "Shake it Off"  song as one to think about in this context. So I was interested in what the song had to say. Basically, its about dancing the way you want to and ignoring the others comments. As I think about our world right now I think this is good advice.

We have taken everything personally lately. Someone says something, no matter if it is in person or on social media, and we respond. We respond because we are right and they are wrong, or we respond in agreement to. We have no idea what it means to shake it off.

Jesus sent 70 people out into the countryside. Where they were received and welcomed they were to stay, where they weren't they were to go. I don't think its a coincidence either that the gospel just before this was about a Samaritan village that didn't welcome Jesus and the disciples want to rain down fire and destroy the people, and Jesus says no, shake it off.

We have made issues too important, more important than our neighbor. We have made it seem there is a wrong or right and have cut ourselves off from friends, family, neighbors and we don't shake it off. These seventy come back with joy! Joy because they shook it off. I don't think we realize how important the issues of the day were. 

High unemployment unless you were in the pocket of Rome. Even the temple priests had to be informers of the state. High taxes on the poor, taking all they had and more if they could. High crime, thieves hanging out on roadways expecting to get some of the profit from merchants and soldiers traveling the road. Hunger, bad healthcare, unless you were Roman, and if you talk against the state, crucifixion of a traitor. 

How are you supposed to arrive into this? No issues but Peace given. Peace in the midst of turmoil. Peace in the midst of choosing sides. Peace to this house. Also, heal, and I'm sure this was needed, heal and say the kingdom of God has come near. When is the last time you greeted someone with peace? When is the last time you took the time to allow for healing? Division is not healing, division does not offer peace, division is not the kingdom of God.

In the Vacation Bible School Spy Kids we learn to spy where the kingdom of God is. We see it in our neighbors and we write cards to the lonely. We see it in hidden things and we look for it in creation. We know it is in serving others and we pack food or detergent for the food pantry. It is in the intangible mystery where we find the kingdom has drawn near.

So the decision is ours. We can shake it off, shake off the issues and find the people. Shake off division and how it wants to separate instead of unite us. Shake off the things which weigh us down and find the joy of the kingdom. Because until then, we have lost our way. The rich way of love God has shown.