July 1, 2007

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Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Read Luke 9:51-62

Read also: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25

On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him;

but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.

When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?"

But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

                                                                                                                        Luke 9:52b-56

.     Collateral Damage    .

It was only a thought,

a big idea that drew the Lord’s rebuke.

Bring down fire upon the town

because they’re not like us.

Notice the symbol on their door,

a crescent or a star.

Who knows what mischief

may be on their mind.

Fire!

Bring down fire. 

And I can picture him

stooping to the ground

to trace his finger in the dust

(It was a mannerism

he used sometimes

when he needed time to think,

when there were persons

of self-righteous mien

and murderous intent.)

And then, the quiet rebuke,

blunting their anger.

Then on to other things

like setting priorities.

But before I go on to other issues,

let me ponder for a moment:

It seems that the disciples’ solution,

fire on the town,

was not worthy of serious consideration 

in Jesus’ mind.

And so the disciples

quickly abandoned the thought.

O, My, how times have changed!

                                                                                      --- rvc

*** D I S C L A I M E R ***

The Weekly Lessons are based on the lectionary texts for the week – usually the Gospel lesson. They are not designed as a formal commentary.  Rather, they are the personal reflections and original compositions of The Relay Online editor, Rev. Robin Van Cleef, and offer a jumping off point, using the scriptures as triggers to thought, imagination, and (we hope) empowerment.  As you read them, let your own imagination play, and let the Spirit speak to you, leading you where it will.  The Gospel Lessons reflected on this site may not be copied, reproduced or otherwise manipulated elsewhere on the internet without the expressed consent of the author.

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