Lectionary Reading: Matthew 8: 14 -17, 28 - 34
These verses in Matthew involve Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law, driving out demons and healing the sick. Then Jesus went to the Gadarenes region, removed the demons from two men and caused the demons to enter a herd of pigs. The pigs ran into the lake and died. The men who had been healed went into the city and related what had happened. The townspeople went to see Jesus to beg him to leave. They were concerned because Jesus had caused them a large financial loss due to the drowning of the pigs. They were not thinking of the fact that Jesus had taken on the responsibility of others' disorders.
But what does this have to do with a cute little baby born in a barn?
When Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem they had very little. They were not concerned with material wealth but the safety of the baby to be born. The Innkeeper gave them permission to stay in his barn. The shepherds and Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus. They honored Jesus and were blessed by him in return.
From the conception of Jesus, to his birth, life, and crucifixtion there is a common theme. Love and trust one another. Mary trusted what God had told her about the baby she was carrying. Joseph trusted what Mary had told him. They had love for each other and the child. Ths shepherds trusted what the angels revealed to them and did as they were bidden. The Wise Men trusted what was made known to them and did not go back to tell where Jesus was.
No one was concerned with gaining material wealth. The shepherds left their sheep; the Wise Men would surely have been greatly rewarded for telling where Jesus was.
Instead, God, through Jesus, set in motion the lifestyle that we would all do well to follow. Be loving and trusting of others. Care for other's troubles and help as you can. Listen to what Jesus is telling you - about what is truly important in life. What you have is not nearly as important as what you do. We need to do our best to bring the joy that was experienced at the birh of Jesus into the lives of others. We need to trust that Jesus will provide for our needs and is there for us always. Love and trust are more meaningful than any object. The birth of Jesus made it possible for us to have true joy in our lives and to share that joy with others.
Sue Kearns
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