Scripture Reflection for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 22, 2004
Faith Check on Aisle Five
I hate standing in lines. It's something that we all have to do, but I seem to have no skill at it. If I pick the shortest lane, it's bound to be riddled with price checks, noisy kids, and slow baggers. I can't win. In today's readings we find out that salvation is a lot like the grocery store -- all are welcome, but you better pick the right checkout.
Cause It's Always Savings Time
I can remember how fun it used to be to go to Farmer Jack. I would fill up my cart with ease -- I didn't have to worry what it was going to cost. Once I got up to the check out line I just flashed them my card -- My Farmer Jack Savings Club Bonus Card and BAM! I saved $5.34. Why? Because I was special. I was a part of a special club. Membership had its privileges!
Then they took the card away. I mean, I still have the card, but all it does now is track my purchases. Farmer Jack decided that it would be better to offer lower prices to everyone rather than to give me 15 cents of my lima beans when I scanned my card.
Farmer Jack took a cue from God in the reading from Isaiah. In this reading, God says that he has come to gather all the nations. Everyone is involved in salvation, not just the Jews. Everyone is valuable in the eyes of God. It is always "saving" time and cards or creeds will not get you better treatment.
One Stop Shopping
Jesus speaks of inclusiveness in the gospel when he says that all can be saved if they enter by the narrow gate. A narrow gate? Doesn't sound good; I'm getting claustrophobic. Wouldn't a huge gate be better? Americans like wide aisles and wide lanes on the expressway. Why does Jesus say it is a narrow gate?
One would certainly have to choose the narrow gate. It might even involve some standing in line. We might have to be patient and disciplined. Hmmm . . . disciplined sounds a lot like disciple. We are all called to be disciples and to do that we must actively seek out God, even if it means standing in the slow line at the spiritual check-out!
Watch out for the Falling Prices
Walmart's commercials often feature a smiley face knocking down prices. One of their slogans is "Watch for the falling prices." Ah, if only signs from God were that dynamic.
Today we are called to actively seek God and make his message of inclusion a reality in the world. If we separating ourselves from others, we need to ask ourselves how that is helping the salvation of all. If we are letting opportunities to spread God's love pass us by, we can't sit and wait any longer. Like most of the good offers, we are around for a "limited time only."
Life Applications:
Do I partake in various groups and activities at Church?
Do I partake in activities with people of various faiths?
In what ways could I further seek God?
Copyright 2004 by Nick Popadich
All rights reserved.
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