Hospitality and Compassion
The reflection by Rev. Jeanne Randall-Bodman presented on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
“Across Christian history, there have been different ways of carrying the name of Jesus into the world. One looks like the disciples sent out in today's gospel [reading], with restoration, healing, hope, and love. The other looks suspiciously like empire, wearing the cross as its logo, and using Jesus as its mascot. There is a world of difference between followers of Jesus and followers of power who are using Jesus’ name…
“… Jesus is still sending people out, armed with courage, compassion, and the stubborn conviction that love wins. We are those people who are sent. We may be tempted to laugh in skepticism like Sarah, but from the deep wells of our tradition, we are reminded, again and again, that hospitality and compassion are what God sends to save us, and what God sends us out into the world, armed with. Just that, hospitality and compassion.”
Liberating Words:
Genesis 18:1-15 and 21:1-7
Matthew 9:35 - 10:23