| My Open Table |
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So last Sunday I was making my way to a monthly dinner for clergy in Santa Fe, this little group is affectionally named Deanery R. It is quite simply a supper club for several of my friends to join in for good conversation, good food, laughs, and moments to churn the rumor mill. This gathering is one of the most important things I do each month.
Anyway, the men in the car I was in began talking about upcoming plans and we figured out that soon our table would have more people sitting at it. As soon as these other guys were identified I said, "Well, in my mind our table is always open. Everyone is welcome at this table."
Once I said it I wondered to myself where this idea came from. I think part of it might be because in recent weeks I've really been pushing the notion on mychurch that to be truly Christian one must render charity and mercy. In some blogs I've commented against shunning or acting in ways that isolate and judge. In some blogs I've taken the position that justice must be tempered by mercy.
And I ponder:
"the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" John 6:37
"come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28
"when the disciples saw, they rebuked them but Jesus called them to Him and said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them" Luke 18:15ff
Jesus, who from infancy was rejected and scorned, who in adulthood was insulted and persecuted, who even in death prayed for his executioners, was a man of invitation, a man of welcome.
His invitation is open, always open. And so I in my life strive to be the same, not that its easy, 'cause I could name names of all the people who really bug me. But my pettiness needs to be, has to be overshadowed by my putting on Christ.
You know, I can't think of a person who has not been misunderstood, rejected, insulted, isolated or "put out" - sometimes in the name of what's right or tough love but I can't think of anyone who has gone through that without being injured and scarred.
So in the end I can say, my table is always open. My table has no strangers, just friends. My table has no outcasts, just guests. Ultimately my table bears no wrong and charity prevails.
You are welcome at my table regardless of who you are or your state in life. Really.
Are you ready to do the same? Really?
So for now come along, pull up a chair and take the load off because there's room at this table!
AMDG |
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