Have you ever had a visitor to your church whose presence made the usual churchgoers feel uncomfortable? Maybe it was someone who didn’t quite know how the liturgy works, and those sitting near them weren’t quite sure how to help, or whether to help, and it made everyone uneasy.
Or maybe it was someone who hadn’t yet been home after partying the night before, who smelled a bit off and didn’t walk quite straight. Those sitting near them weren’t quite sure whether they should move further.
When we say “all are welcome” in our congregations, do we really mean it? Jesus never really said it, but he meant it. Tax collectors and sinners knew that. They came near to listen because they knew Jesus had something life-changing to say. They knew their lives were not perfect, and they knew Jesus was offering a different way to live.
We (hopefully) proclaim the gospel of Jesus every Sunday morning in our churches. It is to be expected that those who most need to hear it will sometimes come in and listen. Do we welcome them as Jesus did, with open arms and hearts? Or do we welcome them cautiously, suspicious of their intentions? Or not welcome them at all, but ignore them?
Welcoming God, help us welcome those who come to us seeking you. Amen. —