What we miss by "Staying in our own lane."

 Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 and Psalm 48  • Ezekiel 2:1-5 and Psalm 123  • 2 Corinthians 12:2-10  • Mark 6:1-13

This Sunday is the first Sunday after America's Independence Day, and our gospel lesson lends itself to consideration of the relationship between independence and interdependence, and the nature of power.

Other than healing a few people, Jesus is unable to "do a deed of power" in his home town of Nazareth? Why? And yet, he sends out his disciples, equipped with only a staff, no food, no bag, no money, and they were able to do great things. How relevant this is in our present country with all the divisiveness and vitriolic side-taking. The Rev. Davis Lose in "Independence/Interdependence," invites us to find independence from having to go it alone, from just relying on those of the same mind, experience and opinions, recognizing that we cannot grow and bring God's good news and healing love to others without true humility, being willing to be interdependent on and with others, not just those of like mind, which leaves us open to vulnerability, but strengthens and builds and grows God's kingdom of love and peace.

Sister Kim Harris, in her "Exposition"  brings it home, asking us to reflect on "How have I been closed to God's ways? How much good have I rejected because the message was delivered in ways I am uncomfortable with? How often have I not heard God's message because it has not been spoken by one respectable enough, by someone who is "not one of us?" "Where am I stopping the miracle of grace in my life?" Peace-making is in vain if we are closed minded.

 In her "Reflection," Sister Harris comments on why Jesus could not do deeds of power in his home town, and concludes that indifference, coldness and disinterest is what prevents the power of Christ from moving in us, and has us ask "With whom, and what am I indifferent? For where we are indifferent, God is not at work there.

 Consider Debie Thomas' "Hometown Prophets."