An unusual member of the...
Illustration
An unusual member of the plant kingdom, the mimosa or sensitive plant avoids relationship with any other living being. Even the youngest plant, covered with small-boned branches of thin, fernlike rows of leaves, protects itself from the touch of a finger or a burst of wind. Each frond, when touched, closes in domino-fashion.
We humans also instinctively close in on ourselves when relationships threaten us. Our body language speaks. We cross our legs or arms. We withdraw by physically stepping back or feeling a smile fade. Adopting a manner of reserve, even our speech refuses exchange.
When Jesus sent out the disciples, he instructed them to set aside such instinctively self-protective actions. First, he said, invite relationships. He advised the disciples to say initially, "Peace be to this house." However, he also added a bit of good common sense, saying that if a man of peace is not there, then "your peace will return to you."
In the vernacular of our time, he might say, "Avoid starting out like a mimosa plant when you approach people about the faith. Rather, first reach out with a gesture of goodwill. If you get a foot in the door, then proceed. If not, don't force yourself upon people. Simply withdraw and try again elsewhere."
--Brauninger
We humans also instinctively close in on ourselves when relationships threaten us. Our body language speaks. We cross our legs or arms. We withdraw by physically stepping back or feeling a smile fade. Adopting a manner of reserve, even our speech refuses exchange.
When Jesus sent out the disciples, he instructed them to set aside such instinctively self-protective actions. First, he said, invite relationships. He advised the disciples to say initially, "Peace be to this house." However, he also added a bit of good common sense, saying that if a man of peace is not there, then "your peace will return to you."
In the vernacular of our time, he might say, "Avoid starting out like a mimosa plant when you approach people about the faith. Rather, first reach out with a gesture of goodwill. If you get a foot in the door, then proceed. If not, don't force yourself upon people. Simply withdraw and try again elsewhere."
--Brauninger
