Religious Institution: Any Value?
July 5, 2023
Luke 5:12-16 | Psalm 50:14-15
Jesus has a lot to say about and even against religious authority.
…and yet, he does not remove himself or others from its care & practice.
Even after performing a full healing, Jesus sent this man to make an offering of thanksgiving with the very people he knows are against him.
Consider, “Why?”
Luke 5:12-16
Jesus was in one of the towns where there was also a man covered with a skin disease. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged, “Lord, if you want, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do want to. Be clean.” Instantly, the skin disease left him. Jesus ordered him not to tell anyone. “Instead,” Jesus said, “go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses instructed. This will be a testimony to them.” News of him spread even more and huge crowds gathered to listen and to be healed from their illnesses. But Jesus would withdraw to deserted places for prayer.
Psalm 50:14-15
Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving!
Fulfill the promises you made to the Most High!
Cry out to me whenever you are in trouble;
I will deliver you, then you will honor me.”
Prayer
God,
I love the Church. But also, I’m like an expert at finding the Church’s fault. (Let me know what you need to know…I’ve got a list.)
I confess that the American consumer in me has days on which I’d like to just quietly leave at best and loudly boycott at worst.
Actually, I do believe you’d have us decry injustice.
And yet I also know I have a penchant for an unhealthy cynicism.
Humble me, Lord. And help me to be the right person in your Church. Give me grace for all - myself, my brothers and sisters, and even the institution itself. Help me experience and know the value of deep tradition and practice.
Make us one, Lord.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.