Week 4 – Lent Series 2025
Solidarity over a meal
Genuine fellowship leads to solidarity. Jesus’ vision for community is marked by solidarity.
When it comes to community, Jesus envisions people creating space and reaching out to those who are marginalised. That community would be welcoming and inclusive of all people.
In Luke 14:12-14 Jesus said “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.”
We see in Jesus’ teaching here, that his vision of community is one which is welcoming and inclusive of all people, including those with disabilities.
During Lent we are focusing on solidarity. Solidarity is entering a shared concern and empathy for one another. It is adopting a responsibility for the welfare of others. CBM Australia leans into solidarity with people with disabilities, and we invite you to join us.
The culture Jesus lived in avoided, even despised, people with disabilities. During these lunches and dinners mentioned in verse 12, people with disabilities were often brought in to be ridiculed for entertainment.
Jesus’ teaching was radical. In a culture that was steeped in hierarchy and status, Jesus taught his listeners to invite those who were rejected to eat with them. Sharing a meal is a means of getting to know one another…to deepening relationship. Common ground is discovered, and differences fall to the peripheral.
Sharing meals together is a pathway to genuine fellowship. Genuine fellowship is deeply caring for one another. This is solidarity; esteeming shared humanity, empathy and serving one another.
Do your communities look like this?
Are your communities inclusive of people with disabilities?
Do you share any genuine friendships marked by solidarity with people with disabilities?
Let’s pray:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your vision for community. May we be captured by this vision. Help us to ensure our communities are inclusive and welcoming of all people with disabilities. May we be marked by shared humanity, empathy and mutual service, Amen.
CBM Australia’s Luke 14 initiative resources Christian communities to be welcoming and inclusive of all people with disabilities. Learn more: www.cbm.org.au/luke14
Read more
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/week-4-lent-series-2025
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