Sunday Devotion: 28 June 2020, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday Devotions
We are products of God’s love
Written by clergy and lay people across our Diocesan community, ‘Sunday Devotions’ is a column of short reflections based on a Lectionary reading of the day, suitable for small group discussion or personal use.
Main Readings: Genesis 22.1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6.12-23; Matthew 10.40-42; [Jeremiah 28.5-9; Psalm 89.1-4, 15-18]
Supplementary Readings: Psalm 17; Matthew 12.9-21; Psalm 80; Jeremiah 1.4-10; John 20.1-10; Genesis 22.15-19 and 23.1-4 (5-15); Psalm 89.1-4,15-18; Romans 7.1-6
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” (Matthew 10.40)
By the end of a school year, parents of children in primary school have often accumulated numerous pieces of artwork, lovingly created by their child or children. Whilst much of this art might find its way reluctantly or furtively into the recycling bin, there is often a piece or two that is kept because the parent can see something of their child’s passion, joy and enthusiasm embedded in the artwork. However, what the parent sees is not always evident or apparent to others.
The Gospel passage today fits into a broader narrative of Jesus outlining the mission for his disciples, encouraging them for the trials and tribulations ahead. In this verse, Jesus reassures his followers that whilst some will reject them, others will see the disciples for who they are: envoys of Christ, and messengers of God. And, they will gladly welcome them into their homes to show them hospitality.
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit – each of us is infused and embedded with God’s passion, God’s joy and God’s enthusiasm. A wonderful lesson from today’s passage is to see in each other, just as a loving parent sees something unique in their child’s treasured artwork, that which is not always outwardly evident to others. That we are each created as products of love by God, sent by Jesus and infused with the Holy Spirit.
May we see in others that which God sees in us.
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