Scripture: Luke 9:52-53
He sent messengers on ahead of him. Along the way, they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival, but the Samaritan villagers refused to welcome him because he was determined to go to Jerusalem.
Thought for the Day: Jesus was planning on visiting the Samaritans, yet the Samaritans were not ready to welcome Jesus. Luke suggests it is because Jesus was headed to Jerusalem, the centerpiece of Jewish faith. Samaritans and Jews were historically, religiously and ethnically related, yet they did not think kindly of one another. In 112 BC, a Jewish army attacked the Samaritan capital and destroyed the Samaritan temple on Mt. Gerizim. This would only intensify the hatred between these two groups that held more in common than they had differences. Like so often occurs, the arguments were more based in ego and authority, yet religion was the facade used to justify it all. No one was blameless. Christianity has clearly learned nothing from this conflict. To this day, we continue to ignore what connects us, as we highlight and cling to the differences. We explain it in terms of faithfulness, but it sure appears to be more about the ego feeling as if it is right. For a religion that worships a grace-filled God, we sure act as if everything hinges on owning the correct beliefs and destroying those who do not concur with us.
Prayer: Grant me a faith, O Spirit of Christ, that is less concerned about being right and more concerned about being kind, respectful and unpretentious. Amen.
SUNDAY’S SERMON:
Making Excuses
