A Message from Pastor Kaji
Dear Church:
I hope that you were able to listen to the podcast with Sunday’s reflection. It’s a great opportunity to sign up for our weekly podcast, as well. That way, you’ll never miss a word from the Park!
As I referenced on Sunday, our church’s leaders have been very busy planning for the year ahead. It’s been a very busy January! On Consecration Sunday, February 8, we will mark and bless the leadership who will help guide us in the season ahead. We also want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be part of how we live out our plans for the church’s next season.To that end, please save the date for our first Listening Tables. We will gather on Sunday, February 15, immediately after worship concludes, in person in the social hall. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and have a cozy, fruitful conversation centered on these simple questions: What are you holding sacred this year? What should the church hold sacred this year? If you are unable to attend, please do share your responses to these questions with Stephanie Wilson, who can share them with leadership.
Looking ahead to this weekend, I have the honor of bringing an address to 825 women from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in Houston, TX, in honor of Founders’ Day, January 15, 1908. While it’s always tough to be away from church and the city, I’m delighted that we get to welcome our Moderator, Vanessa Lindley, back to the pulpit on Sunday! We’ve included her biographical information, linked below. I know that she will bring an inspiring word.
By evening, the scope widens. Jesus heals many, casting out spirits and curing disease, and Matthew grounds this work in Isaiah’s promise: “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” The language is embodied and weighty. Jesus holds what others are living with.
As the crowd gathers, Jesus names the shape of his calling. Foxes have dens. Birds have nests. The Son of Woman lives in constant movement. His life resists containment and ownership. Following him means staying responsive to where life is unfolding.
Another disciple asks for time to attend to an important and sacred responsibility. Jesus speaks with urgency: “Follow me.” The moment matters. The invitation is present tense. Life is already moving.
Together, these scenes hold a single rhythm. Jesus heals, carries and moves.
Questions for reflection:
- Where have you experienced restoration that opened a new chapter of action in your life?
- Where are you sensing an invitation to follow in the present moment?
Pax Christi,
Pastor Kaji
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 8:14-22 (Year A, p. 118)
14 When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law laid out and fevered, 15 and Jesus touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. 16 That evening they brought Jesus many who were demon-possessed and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick 17 in order to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
18 But when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he commanded that they go over to the other side. 19 A religious scholar then approached and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Woman has not where to lay his head.” 21 Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”