There seem to be many examples in our daily lexicon that relate in one way or another to the power of the multiplier. In chaos theory, the single beat of a butterfly wing could be the precipitating event for a much later, far afield devastating storm. More personally, I can share that my Father (as many Dads are wont to do!) talked with me early and often about the importance of ‘Compound Interest’; he taught me how a small bit of savings early in life could grow exponentially if I just had the discipline and patience to let it. As an educator, I loved the phrase “Each One, Teach One” when I first heard it, and as a Christian, I’ve long taken to heart my obligation to share my faith with others in ways that feel comfortable to me (and growing more courageous, lately, in pushing beyond that comfort zone!)
Today’s Gospel lesson from Luke beautifully represents these notions. Many of us remain astounded at the vast reach and extraordinary impact of the life of this single (albeit Holy!) man who brought us the message of God’s love and peace. Jesus proclaimed that message as widely as one human could in only a few short years, with limited geographic mobility, and prior to the advent of the printing press, or social media. One Holy man.
That one man then blessed the twelve, giving them the ‘power and authority’ to proclaim and to heal. (NB, He also instructed them to simply walk away from those whose hearts were not open. NOT to hate or vilify them, not to “throw shade”, and certainly not to do harm. Rather, quite simply: “when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them”.)
The twelve spread Jesus’ story and teachings to others, who shared them with others still. One could be forgiven for thinking that these teachings might have stopped cold, 2000+ years ago, at the geographic boundaries of the river, the sea, the desert, the ocean; that we would only find evidence of these teachings near where they originated. And yet, the miracle of God’s love was too great to contain! Christianity was born and spread well beyond the lands that Jesus trod, to embrace people and nations across the globe. Astounding.
So what part can each of us play in this astounding, sacred, mysterious multiplying faith journey? Most of us don’t have the ‘power and authority’ granted to the disciples, and I for one would be considered a poor proselytizer! But we each have the power to reflect on our faith and to speak about those stirrings with others. For me, between the blessed influence in my life of a handful of Lutheran Pastors, Jesuits, and deeply religious guides, moments of spiritual grace across my life (not the least of which was the opportunity to experience where the Apostle Paul lived and wrote at the Greek Island of Patmos), I’ve become more willing and able to engage with the mysteries of my faith, and to engage with others in ways that (I pray) strengthen us. Some others in my life do this MUCH more beautifully and gracefully than I, but I’m still growing everyday! I pray that you, too, are surrounded by a community of faith that strengthens you and your resolve to publicly and gracefully share God’s word and your experience with it. As much as ever, the World needs our voices, our hearts, our grace. Together, let’s be astounding! Amen.
Kimberly Grassmeyer
I’ve been an educator at the postsecondary level for nearly 40 years – both as a Higher Education administrator in Student Affairs work, and as a part-time faculty member – at Creighton University and several other mid-western schools. In the midst of that time, I also worked as a consultant to universities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is my honor to be closing out my professional life at Creighton, where my professional, personal and faith values dance together in an enriching partnership.
As a seeker and a sinner I am wholly imperfect, which is to say I am the human that God created me to be. My faith is often quite strong; at other moments it is shaken to its core. I am not a scholar of the Bible nor do I consider myself to be faithful enough or wise enough to lead others in their faith journey…. which is why (apparently) my gracious colleagues believe that I may have something of value to say to the other seekers in the world! I hope that my thoughts and provocations may in some measure provide perspective, pause, laughter, grace, and some peace to you.
