Image of a ship's anchor on the sea floor

Day

12

Outsiders

Lent 2019

Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.’

Luke 7:44

I am a “shoreside” professional in the maritime industry. Early in my career, I made the mistake of confusing starboard from port when speaking to a vessel crew. It was a long running joke and a mistake that they affectionally liked to remind me of over the years. I tried to make up for it. I joined them in ship drills and even called the galley a kitchen, in jest, to show I had a sense of humor. But the truth is, I am an outsider.

I was raised in the church. The language of Lutheran worship is ingrained in me. And yet, I wonder how it must feel to walk in from the street without any church background and hope to feel at home.

In Luke 7:44, Jesus defends a woman who is not playing by the rules of the inner circle. We can picture Him rebuke Peter. The scene is awkward for Peter and for us.

What is it about our Savior that He is so at home with outsiders? Why does that make us feel uncomfortable?

What hurdles do we place between the stranger and the cross when we use language that is peculiar to our ways?

This lent, Jesus invites us to be comfortable with people outside of our inner circle and to lower our barrier for entry into the fold. To be at the feet of Jesus in a disciple’s home or at the cross on Calvary is to be loved just as we are. Jesus sinners doth receive.

Susan (Kuntz) Michel '84

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