“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” In my name you “will drive out demons,… speak new languages,… lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ So then Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven.” “They went forth and preached everywhere, while Jesus worked with them.”
Many of us have had the good fortune to grow up with a loving family surrounding us. In that intimacy we take our first steps, learn to ride a bike, advance in school, know the warmth of friends and lovers, are clear about our character and wise about our decisions. We go forth. We make a difference in this world. We may not always be able to understand or to imagine the plight of those who do not grow up in a similar way. Too many people grow up without a sense of belonging, a feeling of home. They grow up adrift, as if no one is holding on to them, as if no one is keeping them close. They can lack clarity about their character and wisdom about their decisions. They may not be able to go forth. They may not know how to make a difference in this world. Adulting is a curious word in our culture at present. It is defined as “the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.” Youth who speak of adulting speak of paying bills, doing the laundry, taking care of housework, cooking a meal. All very important and little things that make for the intimacy of life, helpful in creating a home, a community. Are we helping with youth who are adulting by sharing with them all the little things that go into living, the difference making things that help to create the intimacy of a loving home, that help to create a supportive community? Are we doing the same when it comes to the big things? Are we helping them with belonging, with holding people close, with character and wisdom? Persons who express clarity in their life and endeavors, not just any clarity but moral clarity, are an attractive magnet. This is especially true for young persons unclear about guidance by their moral compass. Early followers of Jesus’ Way lived with moral clarity. They knew the authority of driving out adversaries who divide us, demons, and thus they knew the authority of creating community. What are the demons of division we can drive out to thus create community, especially for youth. Early followers knew the love able to be expressed in any language, a language of service. What is the service we express that energizes communities? Early followers of Jesus knew the power of healing, to restore health and life. What is the healing we practice to restore a creative world, a kind world? In little things and big things early disciples went forth and changed the world. We can do the same.
“I sometimes wonder, after all, Amid this tangled web of fate, If what is great may not be small, And what is small may not be great. So wondering I go my way, Yet in my heart contentment sings . . . O may I ever see, I pray, God’s grace and love in Little Things.” (Margaret Longenecker)
Prayer: Beautiful Spirit, be a guide for our creating home.
Question: Who can I help ‘adult’ in things little and big to help them be a moral compass?
May 12, 2024 Gospel Mark 16:15-20 Ascension