Expatriate Recognition
July 8, 2006 – 10:58 pm | by Duncan Macleod
Mark 6:1-13 Contemporary English Version
Jesus left and returned to his hometown with his disciples. 2 The next Sabbath he taught in the Jewish meeting place. Many of the people who heard him were amazed and asked, “How can he do all this? Where did he get such wisdom and the power to work these miracles? 3 Isn’t he the carpenter, the son of Mary? Aren’t James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon his brothers? Don’t his sisters still live here in our town?” The people were very unhappy because of what he was doing.
But Jesus said, “Prophets are honored by everyone, except the people of their hometown and their relatives and their own family.” 5 Jesus could not work any miracles there, except to heal a few sick people by placing his hands on them. 6 He was surprised that the people did not have any faith.
Jesus taught in all the neighboring villages.
7 Then he called together his twelve apostles and sent them out two by two with power over evil spirits. 8 He told them, “You may take along a walking stick. But don’t carry food or a traveling bag or any money. 9 It’s all right to wear sandals, but don’t take along a change of clothes. 10 When you are welcomed into a home, stay there until you leave that town. 11 If any place won’t welcome you or listen to your message, leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them.”
12 The apostles left and started telling everyone to turn to God. 13 They forced out many demons and healed a lot of sick people by putting olive oil on them.
Reading this narrative as an expatriate colours my perspective. I grew up in a highly-connected rural area in the south of New Zealand in which strong relational networks provided strength for continuing the status quo. I knew that if I could just fit in with one of the clearly delineated streams of society that I would be fine. I could join the conservative Christian ’salt of the earth’ group, many of whom were related to me. I could join the rugby, racing and beer stream, many of whom were related to me. Only problem was I didn’t quite fit in either of those groups. And so I left and went North, looking for places and roles in which I could be myself without looking over my shoulder or having others look over my shoulder.
Now I’m in Australia, a long way from the networks I helped develop in New Zealand. I’ve come to realise that recognition of capacity starts at home, right with me. It’s my own fears that lead to limitations, as well as my natural liabilities of course. The voices that say “Who do you think you are?” are generally from tapes that I play, not other people.
But occasionally I do come across people who seem to project their own limited thinking on to others. “Because I can’t imagine myself trying that, how could you?”. I find Jesus’ instructions here so helpful. Shake the dust off. Do not take those people’s limitations with you. Do not replay their pettiness in your future undertakings.
