Pentecost 5A
July 2, 2023
Christ, Preston, MN
Matthew 10.40-42
“Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”
This verse and those that follow are often used as a basis for extending churchy hospitality to outsiders. Congregations proudly declare, “All are welcome” which, of course, is a very good thing to say and do. Unfortunately, most congregations fall short of living this out, believing that they are truly welcoming, but in reality only to themselves. Christ Lutheran Church in Preston may be an exception. Congregations do better when this invitation is made to the table of Holy Communion, but again fail to realize that it doesn’t always mean it when, as one child once said to me, “I’m not welcome.” Indeed. That led to some serious conversation about who gets to commune in that congregation. That may be a growth area for Christ Lutheran Church as it discerns what “All are welcome to the Table” really means. We’ve already had some initial conversation.
Also, unfortunately, these verses aren’t really aimed at churches offering hospitality but rather receiving it. We are at the end of the so-called “Missionary Discourse” in Matthew’s Gospel, the second of five blocks of teaching by Jesus. Two weeks ago, we heard Jesus describe the great need in the world and how he selects 12 of his disciples to be apostles, sent out into the world to bring healing and good news. Then we heard how they were to rely on the hospitality of others and, in the midst of certain blowback and even persecution from some people, that God will care for them as God cares for all creation.
Jesus wraps up his instructions to the 12 with this claim, that those who receive them and welcome them don’t just receive them, and not even Jesus in his name, but God as well. Now that’s an amazing claim, and we enjoy the idea of a cup of cold water extended to us for what we do. But it’s also a warning of sorts that may result in the water being thrown in our faces rather than given to us in a cup. What we do or don’t do, say or don’t say, reflects not only on us but also on the one who sent us.
This is an important word to hear because the church no longer has its privileged place it once held in society. Almost everywhere I go, parishioners lament the encroachment upon the church’s “territory.” Sundays are already gone and Wednesday nights are going. Sports and other activities are virtually every day during the week and not just seasonally, but year-round. Ministeriums are vanishing and church becomes one more obligation among many vying for peoples’ time. It may not be happening as much in smaller communities like Preston, but it is still happening.
That sounds dire, doesn’t it? I don’t think it needs to be, and perhaps it may even be a good thing. How so? Because now that the church is decentered and pushed to the periphery, perhaps it can remember why it exists and to whom it is to be sent: to heal the broken in God’s world. Additionally, we get to recover our prophetic voice that is often silenced in accommodation to the culture. We advocate for those on the margins who are unable to advocate for themselves.
This week, we’ll be celebrating the Declaration of Independence, an important remembrance for our country. Even so, I think that today we should celebrate the “Declaration of Dependence.” In other words, we rely on the Gospel, not the privilege of position. We are Christ’s hands, feet, and voices in the world, bringing the Good News of God’s love. Welcoming all to Jesus’ Table is a good start as it strengthens us to go out and see how we can bring hope and healing to a world that needs us to walk alongside it, not berate it. Whether you receive a cup of cold water or get one thrown in your face, know that you are a beloved child of God sent in Jesus’ name to Love God, Love People, and Follow Jesus. Thanks be to God. Amen.
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