Moving On

Matthew 13:53-58

Jesus’ ministry was an itinerant one. As the gospels make clear Jesus moved from place to place on a regular basis. Sometimes he healed or taught in the towns and villages, sometimes in deserted places. Sometimes he walked and other times he went by boat. His travel also took him to different regions like Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. So it should not surprise us that Matthew includes this bit of information: “When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place” (Matthew 13:53). All this moving around demonstrates that Jesus had no need to be authenticated or validated in his work, no need to be associated with a particular community or institution. Jesus was the Word of God made flesh; Jesus did not need his identity to be strengthened or amplified in human terms.

As contemporary people of faith we should learn from Jesus’ active lifestyle. We should not be so rooted in place, so identified and bound by sign or symbol or structure. Too often we confuse our mission with the places we gather or with the manner in which we worship. Too often we stake out territory as though we were guarding a plot of ground. Jesus moved freely from place to place meeting needs and sharing the good news. Why do we insist on being so stagnant in our living and in our working?

I admit, I enjoy the comfort and the stability of my stationary life. I do not relish the prospect of trudging about, carrying the word of God to venues of all sorts. But if I wish to be a faithful disciple of Jesus I must keep moving, I must be flexible, I must be open to change and to challenge. Jesus’ ministry was an itinerant one. Perhaps our faith should be more itinerant as well.

Prayer: Lord, give us a spirit of openness that we may move according to your will and may welcome others just as Jesus did. In Jesus’ name. Amen.