The full reading for today is Luke 22:1-13. In the reading we read about the difference in how people were referring to Jesus. It’s common for us to talk about the negative feelings and thoughts the scribes and Pharisees were having towards Jesus, or how one of Jesus’ disciples was planning to betray him. But this year it seems important to note that Jesus gave instruction to his disciples as to who and what to look for. They listened to what he told them, they searched for what he asked them to and lo and behold, “They went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.”
In the midst of all that is happening in the world, in our personal lives, and during this season in our generation; with all the temptations presented to us by so many people and circumstances, it would be easy for us to forsake the teachings Jesus has given us and the life he offers to us and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It would be easy to forget about looking for a place to prepare or share a meal meant to honor God.
It’s easy to follow everyone else and do whatever the crowd is doing, go where they go, do what they do and forget about Jesus. But isn’t that a form of betrayal that kills the living word in us and weakens our testimony about Jesus Christ, who overcame the temptations of world and helps us do the same?
Mary prepared herself to accept the angels announcement that she was chosen to be the Christ bearer. Joseph prepared himself to take Mary for his wife and raise Jesus. The Innkeeper made room for them and found a place for Jesus to be born.
Angels announced the good news of Jesus’ birth to shepherds in the fields and Wise Men came from the East to seek him. Shepherd and Wise Men went and found everything as had been told to them; Jesus, Savior of the World, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. They bowed down to worship Christ, the newborn King, and left proclaiming the Good News of his birth and presence.
Let us pray,
Lord God, Thank you for the birth of Jesus Christ. Thank you that the shepherds, Wise Men and disciples found everything as had been told them. Your word tells us that you are preparing a place for us and that when it is finished, you will come and take us to be with you. Until then, help us to remember you daily, to seek you early in the morning, to proclaim the good news of your birth and love and to follow you throughout each day. AMEN
