Matthew 19:13-15
       Rebuked

       There's a whole heap of rebuking going on in this reading. ( I love that word, rebuke ) First the disciples rebuke the people and then it is Jesus who rebukes the disciples.  Sounds like a bit of a tussle going on in front of the crowd. I can't help but think how much 'rebuking' would be going on if Jesus were right here with us today. I have some strong ideas of who'd be in serious trouble, the reading itself gives you a clue.  I bet you may have some ideas of your own.

        It seems there are a great many 'disciples' these days that try to keep people away from Jesus. If we are to listen to the 'princes of the church' , there are so many people who are not worthy enough to be close to Jesus.  So many people in so much trouble, sinners all. By proclamation in the media and pulpit, people are told  how wrong hearted they are and that they need to be in harmony with official 'church teaching'. Let's see, who is on the D-list list today. A young woman beaten by her first husband who has since found a good and decent man, the man of her dreams, her soul mate who she has since married. Not worthy! Taking birth control pills ? unworthy. Gay? unworthy.  Having sex outside of marriage? unworthy. A nun? probably unworthy too.  Disobedient to 'the church'? unworthy. Guilty of a cover-up of a pedophile? worthy. (sorry, I couldn't resist)

All of these people must first repent and change to conform to their ideas of what is right and wrong. Of course it must be true, they have power, centuries of tradition and all sorts of pseudo logic to support their position.

       Jesus had no such limits on his love. Jesus accepted all the children when even his apostles tried to keep them away. The New Testament is replete with stories of Jesus touching the 'unclean'. Jesus spent days speaking with a Samaritan women by the well. OMG! Do you realize the magnitude of that statement??  A woman?? A Samaritan? Divorced how many times? Living in sin?   How about the lepers Jesus touched? The prostitutes, tax collectors. The list is endless.

       Jesus welcomes all, not just the the chosen ones. Not only does he do this by example but in this reading he actually rebukes his very own Apostles. Do you get it?

       We are all welcome. The church has been hijacked ! 

        Ponder that. Think groups like Catholics for Equality. Think, who is speaking the message of Jesus Christ today? Who speaks of love and inclusiveness? If WE are the children of God, remain as children but do not let anyone or any church keep us from Him. Don't let anyone keep us from holding on to Jesus' love and message that He loves us all.

       Who would be rebuked today if Jesus were here right now?