As Jesus continues to make his way to Jerusalem, he is teaching everyone about a new way of living and being. Jesus is turning heads and frustrating the religious elite with his radical welcome and inclusion of all people. In the gospel this week, the pharisees are grumbling once again because Jesus welcomes tax collectors and sinners. Even worse, he eats with them.
Noting their frustration, Jesus begins to teach in a new way. This week, we hear the beloved parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Jesus must know that no one in the crowd would leave ninety-nine sheep to find just one, and he also knows that a woman would not sacrifice a day’s work to find just one coin. And yet, Jesus tells these stories to open the crowd’s hearts and minds and to usher in a world in which all are welcome, and all are included. Jesus’ vision is to bring about a world where all are seen, heard, and loved for exactly who they are. Unlike the religious leaders who are grumbling, God and the heavenly hosts rejoice because God’s people come together in love for their neighbors.
As we move into this year’s theme, “Stories of Home,” we will explore expansive stories of home in which all are welcome and celebrated. We will build community and experience connections because of what Jesus teaches us in and through his life, death, and resurrection. We will explore and create places and feelings of home that reach across generations and geography, trusting that it is God in whom we place our trust and make our home, and isn’t that a great cause for joy and celebration?
See you in church.
Peace,
Pastor Stephanie