I Guess Laborers and Lambs Don’t Wear Lipstick
Last week we talked about how the author of Luke’s gospel escalated the story of Elisha in 1 Kings. Elisha is called to follow Elijah, and he goes back to cook one last meal with his community before he sets out.
Jesus said in our gospel last week that the call was so urgent that no one could turn back for any reason, not even to say goodbye.
Today we get what seems like even more intimidating news.
Not only are we to set off immediately without worrying about loose ends, we also don’t get to pack anything. “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals,” Jesus says.
I don’t know about you, but I never leave home without my phone, wallet, and keys at the very least, and frankly I don’t like to leave home without a lipstick and a prayerbook.
(FYI, that’s a tried and true clergywoman slogan: “Lipstick and prayerbook: don’t leave home without them.”)
But according to Luke, Jesus is having none of it.
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