This Sunday’s Gospel is filled with warnings. Here are a few things Jesus says: “Be watchful.” Don’t know when He’s coming. Repent or perish.
The gospel is exclusive. It’s dangerous to say that in these days. Not a popular word. Exclusive. Your house will be divided, daughter against mother, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law, you get the picture.
“Not everyone will embrace the gospel.” The gospel in the end is exclusive. Not everyone will be included. Some will choose through their own violation. Not to embrace God. To reject His invitation.
Mary gives her yes. Herod gives his resounding no. Nicodemus, a religious leader, says yes. The other religious leaders make sure that Jesus is crucified and dies in the end.
This is the gospel. Some will reject it. The path of love is not always easy to accept.
Look around your family, your faith community, your workplace. Some people are going to say yes and others will not.
What do you do when you say yes and the people around you don’t. It can be painful. What do you do? Four simple things.
Be kind, listen, love and invite. Be kind is not a sign of weakness. It’s the fruit of the spirit. Kindness shows that you care deeply about the human beings around you. They also were made in the image of God like you. Be kind, listen. Patience and gentleness are your friends. Where everybody talks or tweets, listening is a rare gift.
Giving someone you undivided attention demonstrates real love. Be kind, listen, love. Love God, love your neighbor. Love you enemies. Love God. Be kind, listen love and invite.
Some who listen and love. The invitation won’t be forgotten. I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it. Because in the end that’s who we are. It may be rejected but it won’t be forgotten.
I say that because that’s we care. People who love. People who love even people who reject us. Oh, by the way, I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who have been hated, excluded, spat upon, blamed for everything, ridiculed, shamed and made expendable. The invitation to follow Christ means to imitate the victim that sees Jesus as surrounded by the halo of hatred.
