21 Sunday C

I like my Christian Religion.Ideally it embraces all peoples,and all varieties of life.It tells that God is Love.It strains to be catholic in the sense of respect for all.That is the big picture,but sometimes religion, becomes tainted and flawed,authoritarian,judgemental,and insensitive to people.The religion of Jesus day was like that.So we see Jesus going to the towns,villages,and lakeside to teach His message.He did not exclude the Temple and synagogue,but his eye was for the ordinary people at their everyday work.Maybe,He is stressing spirituality of the heart,,before religion of the Temple.

Anyhow,He teaches that there will be big surprises in God’s Kingdom.There will be all kinds,and all sorts,from the east,and west,north and south at The Banquet Table,and some who are first will be last,and last shall be first,because ,love is the currency of Heaven,but at least ,we are all in .

I think it is good to look at some of our star players in God’s Kingdom,rather than preoccupation with our failings.I think of people like Mother Teresa,St.Therese of Liseux,St.Francis of Assissi,and the everyday parent rearing children,and all who work in Care Centres,and those who shoulder great responsibilities in the service of people.Mother Teresa spoke of two evils in the world,indifference to other people,and feeling unwanted.She challenged both with her life of love and service.