Devotion for the Week

… for the week of July 6, 2025

The Gift Of Vulnerability

A familiar adage says, “It’s better to deal with the devil you know than the one you don’t know.” The idea is that it’s safer to deal with something you’re familiar with than to take a risk with something new. This new thing can be scary, disarming, even harmful. On the other hand, although it takes work to let go of things that provide security and support self-reliance, vulnerability can also lead to connection, openness, and love.

Jesus asked the seventy disciples to enter the towns ahead of him to proclaim the good news that God’s kin-dom was coming near, to care for the sick, to stand with the weak and defenseless, and to love the brokenhearted. He knew he was asking them to make themselves vulnerable to the villagers they would encounter on their mission and that they’d likely receive both negative and positive responses. Although they might face rejection, hate, or dismissiveness, they might also be met with care, appreciation, and affirmation.

Gathering around God’s table in memory of Jesus’ full embodiment of love is also a vulnerable and tender moment together. The gift of free grace we receive in the holy sacrament of bread and wine is worth the risk to stand close to our neighbor. The gift doesn’t require perfection, but it allows for a moment to let go of whatever proverbial baggage and deep-rooted brokenness we live with. Jesus meant for all to be fed and welcomed with gracious hospitality at the table. And when the time comes to leave the gathering spaces, God’s hope is that all who gathered feel filled and affirmed so they can go out again into the world of unknowns.

May each one find the courage to embrace the gift of vulnerability as we enter both places of worship and living spaces, remaining in a state of holy wonder about the unknown.