Tuesday 3 October 2023
Zechariah 8:20-23. God is with us – Psalm 86(87). Luke 9:51-56.
Jesus’ way is one of invitation and love
Hospitality is a strong theme in the Bible, and there are a number of stories (like that of Sodom) where a lack of hospitality provokes the wrath of God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus and his followers are turned away from a Samaritan village. The disciples bristle about this, and recall the destruction that God meted out in the Jewish scriptures.
Jesus, in his response, signifies a break in this older relationship between God and people. Rather than punish those who turn him away, Jesus seeks out a different village. His way isn’t to convert by fire, to demand submission, but to offer friendship in love, and to depart with love if that offer is not accepted.
Today we pray that we might continue to remember that our way isn’t one of domination and punishment, but of invitation and love.
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