Inclusion

In the time of Jesus there was an exclusive Jewish sect that restricted membership to those found to be of sufficient holiness and adherence to the Mosaic Law. They expelled anyone who didn’t measure up to their standards of behavior.

Jesus had a different approach. Certainly, he wanted people to live good and holy lives. That’s why he gathered disciples around himself, so he could teach them about God’s presence in their life and God’s love for them, and he welcomed everyone who wanted to follow him. His reach was all-embracing and included the marginalized and outcasts of society. He reached out to those in need and on the margins.

Giving everyone a chance, assuming the best of people, being present to people in their need, calling them to a deeper faith–this was the movement he began: patient waiting, attention to God’s presence, giving others the opportunity to become their best selves, challenging when needed.

If we live this way, as Jesus did, we don’t have to be concerned with the final judgment. That will take care of itself. And perhaps just as important is that Jesus is patient with us, assumes the best of us, asks us to take care of each other and be there where there is need. This is the Reign of God on earth.