While leaders and politicians talk, and wonder how to restore their own image, and in some cases try to persuade voters that they are worth trusting, life goes on. In communities and neighbourhoods all over the world, people live, work, sleep, and worry about how things will turn out.
But thus it has always been. Is there a plan, in the purposes of God, to help us build the sorts of communities and neighbourhoods, where all sorts of people can flourish?
Jesus had a startling way of addressing these issues, usually through telling stories. In many, there were themes of invitation, hospitality, community and relationships. 'Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. (Luke 14.16-18a) In order to have guests at his feast, the new instructions were astonishing. '‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.' (Luke 14.21b-23)
This new community, that comes about through the ministry and mission of Jesus, is not monochrome and nor is it for only one sort of people. It is wonderful in its diversity, and it demonstrates the astonishing generosity of the Master of the Feast.
And as followers of Jesus, it is our privilege to be in on this world-challenging life-enhancing community.
Today's challenge for all of us is to be as open-hearted and generous in our dealings with one another as Jesus has been to us. With his help, we can be like that. How exciting.
Best wishes,
Richard
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