Recalculating
By Vicar Lisa Rygiel
The article below was written by Lisa A. Smith and appeared in the July 2025 issue of Living Lutheran.
Even in the days of GPS, I still sometimes get lost. I miss the cue from my phone’s directional app; I look for a sign that isn’t there. Suddenly, I’ve blown past my exit or turnoff. Many of us will spend time on the road this summer or in other modes of travel. We’ll look for signs along the way, digital or analog, that help us arrive safely at our destination.
Jesus is also on a journey this summer in the lectionary readings from Luke’s Gospel. Scholars call the midsection of Luke the “travel narrative,” as Jesus sets his face (and feet) toward Jerusalem (9:53). Jesus is on the move toward his final earthly destination, and he has a lot of things to teach his disciples along the way. There are things he doesn’t want them to miss, both for the sake of their journey in this world and in the next.
First, Jesus sends out 72 followers on an ultimate road trip (10:1-10). Their travel instructions are to travel light and rely on the hospitality of others. Along the way, the disciples are to speak a word of peace, heal the sick and proclaim that the kingdom of God has come near.
This kingdom-talk is intended to be good news. God’s kingdom, as understood in the New Testament, isn’t created by parliaments or presidents. It’s a realm—both here and in the world to come—where love, mercy and justice reign. God’s kingdom is inclusive and expansive, trusting and forgiving. This kingdom isn’t realized fully here on earth, but there are some signs along the way.
Look then, through this kingdom lens, at the readings from Luke 10 and 11 that immediately follow the story of the sending of the disciples. For those who seek signs of God’s kingdom, Luke has some travel instructions.
There are a lot of signs out there on the road. Many advertise a kingdom of power and glory. I’ve taken these exits, which eventually prove to be dead ends. Luckily, God recalculates—a most forgiving GPS. There’s always another way home, with plenty of kingdom signs—and kingdom practices—for those who seek them.
July 27, 7th Sunday After Pentecost
10 a.m. Sunday Worship with Communion
Announcements
Save the Dates:
E-formation – 7th Sunday After Pentecost, July 27
We, the body of our risen Lord, continue to read through Luke, learning to pray, receiving the Holy Spirit.
Luke 11:1-13
Throughout the Bible, God hears the prayers of believers. Our prayers concern our daily needs but also focus on evil in the trials of the end time. God is like a friend who finally gives in to the tenacity of requests, and God is a parent who provides the children with good food. The conclusion of the passage indicates that what we will receive is the Holy Spirit.
Genesis 18:20-32
The storyteller presents a memorable, even comic, picture of the believer begging, even harassing, God to do justice. In setting the story parallel with Luke’s passage about prayer, the lectionary stresses petitions for the good of others and for justice to be done in the world.
Colossians 2:6-15 [16-19]
This section from Colossians enhances Christian understanding of prayer. We give thanks. We address ourselves to God as the body of Christ. We enact our baptism. We live confident that evil has been conquered. We refrain from condemning others concerning their religious practices.
Zion's Lutheran Church
A Reconciling in Christ Community
zionsluth@gmail.com
719-846-7785