Slideshow image

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:58 

Last fall we discovered Leafcutting Bees searching for holes in our window frames in which to lay their eggs. Our daughter’s research taught us that leafcutter bees are important pollinators. So she built a Bee Hotel to provide a safe place for the bees to create a nursery with the pink petals they cut from our Bougainvillea to line the chambers for their eggs. She welcomed the bees into our yard and made them comfortable in their new accommodations, even painting a “Welcome Home” placard in bright yellow to attract them so these busy, buzzing bees could do their work. 

Jesus, on the other hand, had no such welcome when he came to earth to do his works of love among us. He was rejected at every turn starting with his humble birth. Luke 9 outlines Jesus sending his disciples out to share his love anticipating they would not be welcomed but encouraging them to move on and keep the faith. There was strong opposition to Jesus’ new ways and work that changed the world, and he made predictions of his rejection and death which we remember this Holy Week.  Jesus responded to rejection by calling people to welcome each other (Luke 9:48).

As we remember Jesus’ betrayal and death, we anticipate the new life of his resurrection on Easter morning. We will welcome his grace, love, and mercy into our lives with open arms as we sing Alleluia on Easter Sunday! How are we doing at welcoming others – strangers, newcomers, those in need, neighbors – do we provide a place to feel welcome and comfortable? The good news of the resurrection calls us to welcome all people and provide a place for them to do the work God us created for: Loving God and serving our neighbors. May we respond to all people with open arms saying, “Welcome Home!”

In faith,  Pastor Andrea