WORTHY OF GOD’S LOVE?
In this parable, a rich man invites all the important people in town to a banquet. Each asks to be excused, so the rich man instructs his servants to fill the dining hall with people who would not ordinarily be invited. Jesus’ point: We should not limit who comes to the kingdom of God, because God certainly doesn’t. When you are in church, look around. Is everyone in church perfect? Is everyone healthy, well dressed, and rich? I certainly hope not, because that reflects our mission to God. God wants us to reach out to those in need.
As a Stephen Minister, I have the opportunity to carry God’s love to people who are grieving or suffering. Stephen Ministers become Christian friends to people who need a dose of God’s love. On one assignment, I visited a man in the county jail. It was extremely difficult for me to walk into the jail and meet with a stranger. You have to sign in. They call the name of the prisoner and then you sit down and visit though a window via telephone. There is no real privacy. Children scream, cry and play, making it difficult to concentrate and hear the person talking to you on the telephone.
I visited the man several times, until he was transferred to another state for another trial on similar charges. With each visit I learned to pray. I prayed that God would use me as a tool of his love. I prayed that I could listen to this man tell his story. Even as he confessed his guilt to me, I prayed that I would not be judgmental. After all, God’s creation is made of all kinds of people, none of them perfect.
Who am I to determine who is worthy of God’s love?
Dear Father in heaven, please continue to help us grow as individuals, becoming wise in your desires for us. We pray for strength, and we pray for your generous love for all people. Amen.
