The following item came in a recent publication and is used with permission:
Jesus told a parable about a man who invited his friends and neighbors to a banquet, but they declined. So he told his servants to go find anyone who was hungry or lonely or in need. Still there was room. “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in,” the host said, “so that my house will be full” (Luke 14:23, NIV).
In Searching for Sunday, Rachel Held Evans retells this story and writes: “This is what God’s kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry because they said yes. And there’s always room for more.”
We’re all “outcasts and oddballs” in one way or another! May we know that God warmly invites us to his banquet — for no reason but that we’re hungry. (NN 9.22)
The first time I took part in communion at Second Congregational Church, it was the first communion that didn’t have any conditions attached. First, The Reverend Jane Hawken, during her opening remarks claimed: “Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
I was on a journey and felt very outcast. Could I really be accepted here?
Then during the blessing of the elements, Pastor Jane gave an invitation to share: “Not because you must, but because you may.” That was powerful.
Those words resonate in me every time I hear them and I wonder if someone new is sitting in the back, unsure that this includes them. I assure you, it does. It does for me and may this be so, for you as well.