ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 9:35—10:15
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

​Many of us are dumbfounded by instructions, even if we have the patience to read them. We may in fact ignore them, ripping open a cardboard box holding a new gadget, toy, or piece of furniture and launching into assembly without bothering to find the enclosed paperwork. In this story from Matthew, the instructions for the twelve laborers are clear: cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Having watched Jesus’ ministry of proclamation and healing, they are sent out on their own ministry to do the same.

Are they ready? Who knows. If we’re honest, we seldom feel completely ready for tasks before us, even if we’ve read or heard the instructions. Instructions only take us so far, after all. Then we’re on our own. Or better yet, on a team. That’s where our creativity and can-do spirit kick in.

Sounds like the church, doesn’t it? In this sending of the disciples, the church is cast into the world with the mission of preaching, teaching, and healing. These verses from Matthew, filled with both compassion and urgency, are for the original audience and for us. Jesus sends us too. And more than “some” assembly is required. We need the entire assembly! We laborers are sent first from the font, then week after week from the table.

The words in the service of Holy Baptism send us into the world to “proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace” (ELW, p. 228). Thank God for those who labor with us and cheer us on our way. We need both the instructions and the assembly. And most importantly, the Holy One who sends us out.


From sundaysandseasons.com.
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