These verses from our Gospel, and similar ones, make me
wonder what childlike qualities Jesus had in mind. I doubt he had a romanticized
vision of childhood (innocence,
playfulness and openness). In the first century less than half of the children
born made it to adulthood. The most relevant characteristic of children was
that they were tremendously vulnerable. Parents, in those days, loved their
children, but children were often the first to die of disease or famine.
Children
were also vulnerable because of their low status in society. They couldn’t own
property or inherit anything until they were adults. Legally speaking, children
were not people. So, Jesus said that God's realm belongs to those that the
world said nothing can belong.
The new
life Jesus offers is an alternative to the rat race. And we ought to be mindful
of what Lily Tomlin said, “The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win,
you're still a rat.” We are invited to be
more than rats, in fact God made us for more. We can opt out of the rat race.
This applies
to our churches as well. It is long since time for us to stop saying, "they're
taking my church away from me," and we recognize that it's God's church,
and God has made room for those God invited.
Deliver
us, O God from deciding who deserves the grace we want for ourselves and our
children, and give us the vision and courage to receive every person as your child
– not just those we know or like; not just those who share our culture, language,
social class, or family link – as a full, beloved member of your family, deserving
of all the good things that are your gifts, not anyone’s property.
Invite
someone (anyone) to Church next Sunday (or any Sunday) and we will be blessed
with the joy of knowing that we are together in God Church, in God’s presence.
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