Pentecost+5/Proper 8A (Matthew 10:40-42)

In each of our relationships, we form an image of self. We may say we have different roles we play in each of these relationships. I came across a video clip that shows a brother’s emotional reunion with his sister after 22 years spent apart. It’s quite moving as they hug each other in tears of joy. On the other hand, I see each of them being united with the image of self that has been long forgotten or unrealized due to the absence of the other. A brother couldn’t be the kind of brother he is to his sister because of a lack of interaction with her. 

We create a unique version of self in each different relationship we have. Others’ presence becomes a foundation for that particular version of self. This is probably why there’s a saying we lose a piece of ourselves when we lose someone. If that someone is the one who is dear to us, that partial loss of ourselves is painful. Love is thus an act of making oneself vulnerable for the sake of the other. If that someone is the one who isn’t so dear to us or has hurt us in the past, the partial loss of ourselves is beneficial to the rest of ourselves. 

We can easily imagine two types of relationships. One is a hostile one in which either you or the other person is unkind to each other. We would obviously avoid or despise that relationship or the other person not just because that person is mean but because we don’t want the version of self that we somehow feel wronged and thus become a victim. The second type of relationship is a friendly one. In that friendship, we have a much better sense of self-image. We are heard, understood, and respected. This respectable image of self is something we always want to identify with. 

This act of creating a version of self in each relationship raises a question of what kind of self we would like to identify with. No matter who we interact with, we are commanded to bring our best version. This is where Jesus’ teaching this morning makes sense the most. At first, his teaching of welcoming his followers may guarantee a heavenly reward. As the followers of Jesus, we might feel a bit entitled that whoever it may be “ought to” welcome us because it’s like welcoming Christ. Perhaps our inner voice might say, “I better be treated with respect. Do you know who I am?” Unfortunately, Jesus’ teaching doesn’t work like that. 

In order for us to be welcomed as Christ by others, we first have to do our Christian duty of carrying a Christ-like presence in our relationship with them. We are creating a version of self that is of Christ in that relationship. This is mutually beneficial. For us, we would personally feel good about this Christ-like version of self that is skillful and wise. Those in a relationship with us would feel good about themselves that this encounter brings the best out of themselves as well. So, before we feel entitled to receive respect and hospitality from others, the real work must start with us first. Once we skillfully and wisely become a Christ-like version of self, we create an opportunity for blessing in our interaction with others. 

Then again, as you can guess what question I would raise at this point, how do we practically create and cultivate a version of self that reflects the presence of Christ or simply “Christ-bearers?” Let’s get some insight from the Greek term “δέχομαι (dékomai)” translated as “welcome.” It can also mean to “receive” or “accept.” To be the bearers of Christ, one must accept or receive or welcome Christ in oneself. This isn’t so much about prescribing to the Christian doctrines or saying, “I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior” as Evangelicals would do it. It is to accept, receive, and welcome the Breath of God into our hearts as we breathe through our nostrils to the lungs and then to all the parts of our entire body. This is an embodied acceptance, receiving, and welcoming of the Breath of Unforgetting. This is what we practice and cultivate alone in solitude and together in communion. 

The presence of this practice of accepting, receiving, and welcoming the Breath of God into our body is what we bring to others. We present them with the fruit of Christ’s presence. Only in this way, do our words, actions, and intentions go beyond the pretense or moralistic and legalistic approach of love of neighbors. When we embody the presence of God in us and let it flow as the fragrance of flowers spreads, there’s no need for us to fake it until we make it. This is the only authentic way to keep it real.