This wilderness can at first look like a place of isolation but, as today’s story teaches us, if we just practice a little intentionality and curiosity, this wilderness can and will be a place of unexpected connection!
Because, friends, you are the light of the world, the salt of the earth. Jesus is talking to us, today, to his Church - a Church that should make its home not in the confines of a beautiful building but in the brokenness of the world outside it.
And then the scales fell. Flaky scales fall from his eyes and it all falls away. All the prejudice. All the fire-breathing. All the hatred and discrimination and divisive political rhetoric. All that falls away. And he sees.
Now, here I have to say, I’m really disappointed in Jesus. You know why? Because I think Jesus is asking the wrong question. Instead of asking Peter why he didn’t have enough faith, I think he should have asked the same question to a different person; well, to eleven different persons, if you catch my drift.
You see, this thing we call discipleship is a wild and precious journey. It takes us from what we are used to and transports us to unfamiliar places where we find a familiar grace. Sure, I had never been to Macedonia or Philippi. However, I sure did recognize the hospitality that was shown us by Lydia and her family. It was the hospitality that was first shown to me when I was on the road to Damascus and I was struck blind and had to be led back home and cared for for several days. I’ve received that hospitality. And I believe it is my duty to reciprocate it.