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Gospel Reading for September 30, 2025 – Luke 9: 51-56
NEVER FLAUNTED
When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.
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The suggestion of James and John to take REVENGE on the Samaritans who did not welcome them, probably came from their being aware that Jesus had so much power in him. If he could make a dead man rise, he could also call down fire from heaven to consume them.
Of course, Jesus rebuked them. Remember in Matthew 5: 38-39a, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil.”
Jesus NEVER FLAUNTED his power. He used it to help people; to make life better for them. Unlike some of us, who, when in a position of power not only flaunt it but abuse its use and is often directed at enemies, bashers, and all those who contradict.
Jesus and company were not welcomed by the Samaritans because there was a great rift between the Samaritans and the Jews as to the true temple: Samaritans believed that the location of the temple should be on Mount Gerizim, while the Jews believed that the location should be at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Did Jesus mind? Of course not. He just journeyed to another village.
Even if we are on a goodwill mission, we cannot expect people to always welcome us. If they don’t, we just move on and look for other recipients. We have to always be aware that the mission is not about us, but about those who will be recipients of our goodwill and kindness.
Lord, teach us to use whatever power we may have, to good use, and especially to alleviate the pain and suffering of those around us!
