Buried in Christ, Raised to Newness of Life

 Scriptute: Genesis 21:8-21 and Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17  •  Jeremiah 20:7-13 and Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18  • Romans 6:1b-11  • Matthew 10:24-39

Jesus sends out his disciples telling them not to fear even though they may face resistance, even unto death. He says he came not to bring peace, but a sword. What does he mean? Contrast this with the peace he gives, as only he can give, and the account of telling Peter to put away his sword as Jesus submits to his betrayal and arrest. He is preparing his disciples as he sends them out to spread the good news even though it may turn brother against brother, and families against one another. In "Sent," Joslyn Ogden Schaefer helps understand this when read with Paul's letter to the Romans in which we learn about having to die to the old self to be able to live in Newness of life - in a new way. And in the story of Hagar and Ishmael, sent out seemingly to die by Abraham, but spared by God's grace. Read also Michael Fitzpatrick's "Buried with Christ," In the same gospel reading, Jesus reminds us of God's love, care and forgiveness, as he knows and cares when ever a sparrow falls.