All the wrong people A favorite ice breaker when I was in college was the question: “If you could invite anyone, alive or dead, to dinner, who would it be?” You can imagine the breadth of answers: Historical figures (good and bad)…loved ones…celebrities…saints… It was always interesting to hear who someone would invite and why. Part of the challenge was for the rest of the group to listen without offering commentary or judgement. Imagine someone asking Jesus that question…and his answer. In Luke’s gospel Jesus is often accused of eating with the wrong people. "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." In this case the commentary and judgment are offered at the onset: he’s eating with all the wrong people. So, back to the question: Jesus, who would you invite to dinner? And if we are humble and honest, might we not find ourselves on His guest list? Not because of how remarkable or important we are. Not because of our connections or heritage. No. We would be on the list because Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The wrong people. And just as important as being on the guest list is why we are on it…simply because He loves us! Blessings, Matthew+
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP p. 832) |