When I realized I was gay and came out at the ripe age of 50, I wanted to discover and experience everything gay. Gay pride, movies, gay expo's, parades, people and perhaps a fetish or two. I think everyone wants to be with their peeps. This may be why we have fraternal organizations, Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the list goes on and on. I don't think the intention is to really exclude but to build each other up. People with similar backgrounds, concerns and experiences.
Many years ago at a union meeting, a stately old white woman delegate asked me why 'they' ( our black members ) seemed to always stay together like a clique. I am certain from her tone that it was a derogatory accusation. My response dismissed the intent and went right to the heart of the matter. People feel comfortable with other people with similar interests, experiences and concerns. If you are marginalized as many in the Black community are, you would tend to stay close to those with similar views, etc, etc. I've already said it, right?
The gay community is no different. We stick together to help each other merely survive sometimes. We are marginalized and vilified, lied about, lied to and do not enjoy the same rights and even responsibilities others may take for granted. The Human Rights Campaign for example is a means to support and lift each other up while we fight for justice and even wholeness.
Aside from our wholeness, we all search and try to attain holiness. In this passage we not only see the advent or rationale for fraternal organizations but also that it is not about exclusion. It is all about love and support. Part of that support is empathy and a goal to help everyone. we are called to understand each and every one of us is challenged and marginalized in some way. As a faithful Christian, we would be called to serve and elevate everyone as brothers and sisters, as fellow humans. Then, when we do unto others we are doing to Christ. When we love we love God.
All told, we are called to lift and support each other always even while we may only find comfort and familiarity with a chosen few. Our outreach and love is to all.
Romans 15:1-13
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,
and sing praises to your name’;
and again he says,
‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’;
and again,
‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him’;
and again Isaiah says,
‘The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.’
‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,
and sing praises to your name’;
and again he says,
‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’;
and again,
‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him’;
and again Isaiah says,
‘The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.’
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