Packing Light for the Journey

Devotional Reflection, Monday, October 21, 2024

Proper 24, the week of the twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. David W. Perkins, Th.D.

Key phrases for reflection from today’s Gospel reading.

51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him.

You will find the full text of today’s Gospel at the end of this reflection.

Daily Office Lectionary Readings (BCP, 989)

AM Psalm 25; PM Psalm 9, 15

Ecclus. 4:20-5:7; Rev. 7:1-8; Luke 9:51-62

David’s Reflections

Luke’s Gospel portrait of Jesus makes journey the defining image of the Christian life.  In today’s Gospel, phrases like “on their way,”  “went on to another village,” “going along the road,” “I will follow you,”  “Follow me,”  pepper the reading (see verses 52, 56, and 57 below). U2 in a song entitled “Walk On” sings lines reminiscent of the concept of Christian journey:

“The only baggage you can bring

Is all that you can’t leave behind.” *

In today’s Gospel, potential and real disciples reveal their baggage.  Jesus’ followers reveal their racial and religious bias against Samaritans in their angry request that Jesus allow them to call down fire from God to burn the village to retaliate for their lack of hospitality for Jesus and his followers.  (See 2 Kings 2.)  Potential disciples reveal their baggage in the reasons for their hesitancy about beginning the journey with Jesus.  One seems too eager, too unaware of how radical the faith commitment required.  Jesus discourages him. The other two reveal attachments that compete with their loyalty.  In each case, too much baggage;  this trip requires packing light.

Later in their song, U2 sings in language reminiscent of John’s Gospel:

“You’re packing a suitcase for a place none of us has seen.

A place that has to be believed to be seen.” *

Therein lies a part of the rub.  We are being called by Jesus constantly to step out of our comfort zones into places we’ve never seen. And, our ultimate goal lies out there cloaked in mystery as well.  We know we are journeying with God; but, we often can’t see far down the road. To take each step requires a radical type of commitment and loyalty and risk taking;  each step keeps us close behind the Christ who always leads by being out front of us. It’s a bit like driving at night; you only can see as far as the headlights reach.

Just where does the courage and energy arise from for such behaviors?  It arises from the very word of the Christ who invites us.  His words to us--in Scripture, in song, in sermon, in the inner whispers of his voice—generate the courage and trust to respond.  His voice always comes from out in front of us, because that’s where Christ always can be found.  That same voice enables a tough look at our baggage and the hard choices about what must be unpacked and left behind. Ours is to receive that energizing Word and presence and respond with a “yes.”

Can you hear Jesus’ challenge, “follow me,” in the lyrics of U2’s song? Can you feel that “yes” welling up within you? Let it burst forth from your heart. And, then jettison all that you can leave behind—biases, attachments, etc—and pack light.

More of the lyrics from the U 2 song:

“I know it aches

How our heart it breaks

And you can only take so much

Walk on, walk on

Leave it behind

You’ve got to leave it behind

All that you fashion

All that you make

All that you build

All that you break

All that you measure

All that you steal

All this you can leave behind.

All that you reason

All that you sense

All that you speak

All that you dress up

All that you scheme. . .  *

* U2, CD “All That You Can’t Leave Behind.”  (Universal International Music, 2000.)

Collect of the Day:  Proper 24, the twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.  (BCP, 235)

A Collect for the Renewal of Life

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (BCP, 99)

Of the Holy Spirit

Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (BCP, 251)

A Prayer for Light

Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (BCP, 110)

A Collect for Mission

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 100, 257)

Daily Office Gospel, Luke 9:51-62

51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ 55But he turned and rebuked them. 56Then they went on to another village.

57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ 58And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ 59To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ 60But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ 61Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ 62Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’

Daily Offices in the Book of Common Prayer

Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, The Book of Common Prayer

Noonday Prayer, page 103, Book of Common Prayer

Order of Worship for Evening (Vespers), p 109, Book of Common Prayer

Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer), page 127, Book of Common Prayer

Daily Devotionals, page 136, Book of Common Prayer