| Luke 24:36b-48 Jesus wants to take the training wheels off the bike. The disciples are ready for more. In this Sunday's Gospel reading, the disciples seem to have mastered the idea that Jesus is the physically resurrected Son of God. So now Jesus wants them to begin preaching the Gospel of repentance in his name to all people beginning in Jerusalem. Why start in Jerusalem? Beginning there would be the fulfillment of prophecy that the redemption of God's people would come out of Jerusalem. But there's more. Jerusalem is home. Ground zero. It's where all the witnesses are -- both sympathetic to the Christian cause and opposing. It's a hard place to start, with fresh wounds and memories around every corner. But from the disciples spreading the Gospel in Jerusalem, the Christian message spread around the globe and became a way of life for billions of people. If you're looking for a place to start proclaiming the Gospel, why not start at home? That could be your literal home, with children and spouses and other relatives. It could also mean your workplace, your social hangouts, your Facebook page, your community. Join us this Sunday at St. Timothy's as we ponder this and ready ourselves to proclaim the Gospel to our own personal Jerusalems. |
