Sunday, June 22

By Larry McGuire of Marion, Iowa, USA

“A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master.”

—Matthew 10:24–25 NRSV

I grew up on a farm in Michigan. One of my chores in the fall and winter was to get wood from the pile. Often I would slip on my dad’s boots because his foot was bigger, so it didn’t take as much effort to get the boots on and off. The problem was that my foot often would slip out of the boots unless I walked slowly or took time to lace them.

Later, the problem wasn’t that my foot wouldn’t stay in. Rather, it wouldn’t fit. My feet were now bigger than my dad’s. I no longer could use his boots; I had to walk in my own.

Reading today’s passage from Matthew reminds me of a song from the band U2. The song, “The Wanderer,” says, “I stopped outside a church house where the citizens like to sit; they say they want the kingdom, but they don’t want God in it.” Jesus is teaching the disciples that walking in his path and sandals requires them to decide and choose a path.

We hear people say they want God’s peaceable kingdom here on Earth, but when they begin to realize what that means, some opt not to walk in the path of Christ.

Jesus asks his disciples to cross boundaries. He asks them to carry the needs of the neighborhood and of the neighbor. In many ways, Jesus was helping the disciples understand that if they want to walk in his path, they need to be comfortable walking that path in their own sandals with an understanding that they don’t walk alone. And if they can do that, then they will find a life fitted for Christ’s mission.

Prayer for Peace Master and Teacher, we would be like you. Help us realize if we would take on your mantle, we need to make ourselves fit.

Spiritual Practice: Making Responsible Choices Prayerfully seek God’s guidance in your choices. Discernment invites us to orient our lives toward God and God’s vision for us and creation. Begin by reviewing the responsibilities and opportunities in the day before you. Take these choices into prayer, asking God for wisdom and insight about what matters most. Ask for a blessing to live this day responsibly and compassionately in the spirit of Christ.

Peace Covenant Today, God, I will walk in the shoes of another, bearing the person’s burden, until I fit into your Spirit.