Sunday 04 July 2010

Background

Almost 6 months ago, an earthquake struck the country of Haitikilling over 200,000 people.

When I recently visited the island, I took what appeared to be apicture of a small child in a community of tents. She seemed alone,surrounded by so many things and people that could harm her. Thecountry was in shock. There was destruction everywhere. Some peoplewere sitting looking lost, waiting, not certain what was going tohappen next. Many thousands of people had been killed and those whosurvived were living in tents, struggling to survive on thehandouts of international aid.

This was a picture of dependence. Haitians dependent on aid,children dependent on those who cared for them and I was dependenton the people who were looking after me. This scene of mutualdependence was taking place in a context of fear. Fear of how rainswould impact on the disaster, fear of violence, fear of aftershocksand fear of uncertainty.

This was an uncomfortable position to be in and one that broughtthe words of Jesus from today's passage home to me. Jesus sent hisdisciples out on a mission fully aware of their vulnerability, witha clear and uncomfortable message to declare - "The kingdom of Godhas come near to you" - ie the time when justice and peace would beestablished. In the context of persecution and fear in which thedisciples lived (under Roman occupation and criticism from theirJewish contemporaries) this was a big ask. And they could take noresources with them except Jesus' message and words of peace. Theyreturned not afraid or beaten, but rejoicing that evil had beenovercome by the name of Jesus. Even the tiniest lamb's voice roarslike a mighty lion when fearlessly it calls for justice.

Only Korazin and Bethsaida are singled out for condemnation. Placeswhere so much was said and done, and yet places that took so littlenotice.

To Ponder

Can you remember a time when you were mostvulnerable? What could you have done with most of all, and what didyou least appreciate?

Saint Francis of Assisi said, "Start by doingwhat's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you aredoing the impossible." How might these words and today's challengeof Jesus transform you and your neighbourhood?