August 20th - Reflection

Acts 17:1-9 (NRSV)
Paul preaches Christ on the sabbath

After Paul and Silas had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three sabbath days argued with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This is the Messiah, Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you." Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews became jealous, and with the help of some ruffians in the marketplaces they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. While they were searching for Paul and Silas to bring them out to the assembly, they attacked Jason's house. When they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some believers before the city authorities, shouting, "These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has entertained them as guests. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus." The people and the city officials were disturbed when they heard this, and after they had taken bail from Jason and the others, they let them go.

Reflection
We are sent to turn the world upside down. Look at the life of Jesus --- turned the world upside down! Jesus set all the norms on their heads. Love your enemy --- forgive endlessly --- welcome the stranger --- touch and heal the unclean --- have compassion on the Sabbath --- feed the hungry --- sight to the blind --- life from death --- and on and on. Jesus turned the world upside down and set up disciples such as you and I with gifts from the Holy Spirit to go and do likewise. Turn the world upside down and fill the world with faith, hope, love, joy, patience, peace, endurance and on and on. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as we go into the Kingdom this day, we go in that same compassion and love you have graciously filled us with. --- Amen