There is a word that poses a serious challenge to acceptance into the kingdom of God. It is a word that divides while at the same time it unifies. The word? ACCEPTANCE. This word is the message of today’s scripture readings. The question asked of Jesus sets the tone: "Will only a few be saved?" This is a question we might address in our lives today? We might ask: "Who will be saved?" or "Who will be welcomed into God’s kingdom?"
Surely, when we hear what Isaiah wrote, I suspect everyone will agree or accept his words that God will accept everyone or more clearly and strongly God will not exclude anyone from his kingdom. Even those who have not heard of God will be brought to his holy mountain!
What we also learn is that to be finally welcomed, we have to live a life that will allow us to be welcomed into God’s kingdom. This is where the rub is felt. This is where we learn the price of the entry ticket. Can we, as individuals and/or as a community of believers, accept what Jesus says: that all are welcomed to his kingdom without, without laying down goals we feel have to be achieved or hoops we want others to jump through successfully? This I believe is the challenge that confronts every one of us in this parish and even the universal Church in the 21st century.
Can we say we are welcoming to immigrants who come to this country whether legal or illegal? Do we openly welcome others of a different race? Do we reach out to those in our own society who are marginalized? Do we accept those who might live in a rundown structure they might call a home but we might call a shack? Do we reach out to welcome those who may have a different sexual orientation than ourselves?
We cannot overlook the reality that Jesus died for us ... for all of us. Do we see that word all meaning what Isaiah, as a prophet, speaks on behalf of God: " ... they [nations of every tongue] shall come and see my glory"? He died for all of us not just some of us!
When a parent hears a child say, "Why can’t I do that? Annie or Tom can do it," isn’t the reply something like: "You are you. You are not Annie or Tom. This is what I expect of you." So, we need to look at our own performance, our own way of living an authentic Christian life. Can we find a life that will guarantee us admittance into the kingdom of God? Have we lived the life of an apostle, a disciple, a follower of Christ?
Have we fed the hungry? Have we truly done what we can to help those truly poor? Have we treated our own family members as we should? Have we thought ourselves too important to give much time to others? Do we treat others as sisters and brothers ... because we truly are in the one family that counts? Have you prayed this past week for any of those who are sick or those who have died?
Acceptance of ourselves and others: This is the pass into God’s kingdom.
Surely, when we hear what Isaiah wrote, I suspect everyone will agree or accept his words that God will accept everyone or more clearly and strongly God will not exclude anyone from his kingdom. Even those who have not heard of God will be brought to his holy mountain!
What we also learn is that to be finally welcomed, we have to live a life that will allow us to be welcomed into God’s kingdom. This is where the rub is felt. This is where we learn the price of the entry ticket. Can we, as individuals and/or as a community of believers, accept what Jesus says: that all are welcomed to his kingdom without, without laying down goals we feel have to be achieved or hoops we want others to jump through successfully? This I believe is the challenge that confronts every one of us in this parish and even the universal Church in the 21st century.
Can we say we are welcoming to immigrants who come to this country whether legal or illegal? Do we openly welcome others of a different race? Do we reach out to those in our own society who are marginalized? Do we accept those who might live in a rundown structure they might call a home but we might call a shack? Do we reach out to welcome those who may have a different sexual orientation than ourselves?
We cannot overlook the reality that Jesus died for us ... for all of us. Do we see that word all meaning what Isaiah, as a prophet, speaks on behalf of God: " ... they [nations of every tongue] shall come and see my glory"? He died for all of us not just some of us!
When a parent hears a child say, "Why can’t I do that? Annie or Tom can do it," isn’t the reply something like: "You are you. You are not Annie or Tom. This is what I expect of you." So, we need to look at our own performance, our own way of living an authentic Christian life. Can we find a life that will guarantee us admittance into the kingdom of God? Have we lived the life of an apostle, a disciple, a follower of Christ?
Have we fed the hungry? Have we truly done what we can to help those truly poor? Have we treated our own family members as we should? Have we thought ourselves too important to give much time to others? Do we treat others as sisters and brothers ... because we truly are in the one family that counts? Have you prayed this past week for any of those who are sick or those who have died?
Acceptance of ourselves and others: This is the pass into God’s kingdom.
