Proper 6 A + Gift economy + 6.14.26

 

M. Campbell-Langdell

All Santos, Oxnard

(Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7); Psalm 116:1, 10-17; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-23))

On Sunday, while driving home from a parishioner’s birthday party, I committed what to many drivers is an unpardonable sin. I paused as I turned right to buy some flowers from a roadside vendor. The light was red, but turned green as I completed the transaction. No one honked, and the pause had to have been a matter of seconds, but apparently someone was upset, because before I knew it, a car careened around me from my left and crossed into the lane ahead of me, only for me to end up behind it at the intersection. Understandably, Monica, my passenger that day, was judging that driver a little bit. It reminded me of a cute thing Alene’s college roommate would say whenever anyone was driving like that. She would say, “Maybe she’s having a baby!”

But seriously, it is easy for us to judge people in traffic: people who are going too slowly or those who are driving too fast. Jesus may be saying something about this in today’s gospel, but we will get to that in a moment. But the funny thing is, in Oxnard, you often won’t see the same person again, or at least not soon enough that you will recognize them. We sometimes feel disconnected in the modern world, more familiar with online friends than the people who drive past us.

In today’s gospel and Hebrew Scriptures readings, there is a definite call to connection. It starts with Abraham. This is a favorite passage because it was the core of my dissertation's theological basis. I love this text because it is all about human relationships with the divine. Abraham receives the three divine visitors and exercises the ancient tradition of hospitality. He also bows to greet them, a gesture that signifies not only respect but also that he is a person of respect and dignity. And the hospitality is a reciprocal exchange. Abraham and Sarah are blessed in return.
Likewise, the gospel passage for today from Matthew is all about relationships. At first, it may seem a bit strange that Jesus is so focused only on the “lost sheep of Israel.” It is very interesting because throughout the gospels, you will see a tension in Jesus’ statements. It seems that at first, he was very focused just on reaching out to the Jewish people and especially those he felt were disconnected from their faith. However, as the gospel message spreads, it becomes clear that it is not meant only for the lost sheep of Israel but for all. However, in this sending, Jesus wishes to restore relationships. Relationships between God and God’s people that go back to Abraham and before. These are relationships that have been broken and can only be mended by acts of healing. You may note that the disciples are specifically focused on different healing acts here, whether physical or spiritual.

And what are they supposed to be paid? Nothing. No money, at least, but plenty of food and their basic needs met. Because a laborer should be paid, but Jesus knows that if they receive gifts of food and other hospitality, it will build the relationship more.
Author and plant biologist Robin Wall Kimmerer speaks of both her experience as a First Nations woman and a scientist in her book Braiding Sweetgrass. In this book, among other things, she discusses the importance of interacting with one another in a gift economy rather than only within a capitalist, transactional framework. She notes that when we buy things from each other with money, the relationship ends there. But if I gift you something, especially something I have made, it creates a renewing relationship in which you may be moved to give me something you have created or can do as well.
So, too, the disciples have been given the gift of healing to share with others. But they do not wish to cheapen it by selling that gift. Rather, they must give it freely and expect their basic needs to be provided.

Will their gifts always be accepted? No, unfortunately. Jesus acknowledges that the disciples’ gifts will not always be accepted. If they are not welcome, they are to move on. I have heard conflicting interpretations of the shaking off of dust from the disciples’ feet. Some point out that in the Ancient Near East, this would have been considered quite rude. At the same time, maybe a little protest is in order if folks don’t receive the messengers of the Son of Man. Others point out that the disciples are invited to let the experience go and not carry anything of it with them so that they can start afresh. For those who have experienced discrimination for who they are, it is helpful to be able to let go of negative experiences and also to put them into God’s hands. Similarly, for small things like getting cut off in traffic.
This is also important because the work continues. Jesus says that they will not finish visiting the towns before the Son of Man returns. Indeed, our work is never done until Jesus returns, which means we have to find a way to make it sustainable. Indeed, this is our life’s work. So do not be discouraged if you feel it will never be completed, because that is by design. God always wishes us to keep working to make life better for others and to heal others, as well as to seek our own healing. But, as St Paul’s epistle says today, endurance is the name of the game. If we keep up the good fight, we will not only build character but find a reason to hope. Take heart, this journey is not just one of suffering, but also is filled with joy! You will be healed, and others will, too. Not all will understand, but those who do will follow the way with you and make all the difference!

Amen.