Sometimes we easily feel threatened by a new face. Or we tend to be exclusive no matter how we claim to be inclusive. We are oftentimes not better than the disciples who reported to Jesus that they stopped a man from casting out devils in Jesus’ name simply because he did not belong to their group. But Jesus was quick to point out to them: “Whoever who is not against us is for us.”
Jesus welcomes all who may contribute for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. The work of the Kingdom, not only the scope of the Kingdom, is vast. Let anyone who wishes to join the workforce join. Let no one among those who already belong to the workforce drive away any newcomer.
The feeling of being threatened by a new face is a real human experience. What do we do when we experience it in our Christian communities? Remember three important things.
First, the vineyard and the work are not ours. They belong to the Lord. Only He can say who is in and who is out. Whoever He welcomes, we must likewise welcome.
Second, we ourselves were once newcomers who hoped that we would be accepted by the old timers. Our coming might have threatened them, too, but we proved them wrong. We just wanted to serve in God’s Kingdom.
Third, if a newcomer indeed is a danger to the work of the Kingdom, God has ways to thwart whatever harm he might cause. If he is not God-sent, he will never last. But if he is, we will be refusing God Himself.
The community of disciples that Jesus envisions is not a clique; it’s never intended to be an exclusive group of snobbish, self-righteous followers of the Lord. The community of the Lord’s disciples welcomes all who desire to belong to it with the joy of the Lord Himself.
Is this your community?Fr. Bobby Titco
Reflection Question:
Who threatens me? Why? Lord Jesus, You envision Your community as a threat that welcomes all those who wish to belong to it.
Grant me the same joy You have for the new members of my community. As You rejoice over their growth and success in the work of the Kingdom, may I also rejoice and affirm them. Make me slow to criticize but quick to praise. Amen.
St. Zebinus, pray for us.
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