Matthew 10:40
Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
I have spent a lot of time in hospital and doctor office waiting rooms. Most of them are sterile and uninviting places. I changed doctors recently and the waiting room at the new office was different. Comfortable chairs, flowers in vases around the area, there were even some nice pictures on the wall. And is made all the difference in the world. I immediately felt at ease and comfortable in the space. I found that when I entered the examination room I was more relaxed and ready to trust this doctor more than I had ever trusted a new doctor before. It's pretty amazing how that initial encounter with a waiting room changed my receptiveness.
Today's gospel passage starts with Jesus commissioning the disciples to show God's love by performing miracles and healing people. Then he gives them a warning that there will be strife and arguments among people, even within their own family, because of his teachings. On first reading of verse 40 you might think Jesus is condemning those who do not receive his disciples. But I think he is giving them, and us, direction to be more approachable. It's up to us to present a demeanor that is warm and inviting, filled with love not condemnation. How can you renovate the waiting room of your life and make it more inviting to someone who has never seen Jesus? It's up to you and me to give those around us the best chance of receiving Jesus when we encounter them.
