A Welcoming Spirit

   Our Lord welcomed everyone.  He didn’t reject anyone who came to Him.  Those who most would have ignored or turned away were greeted with love and forgiveness.  The prostitute the Pharisees and Scribes wanted to stone wasn’t condemned but forgiven.  Matthew the tax collector became an apostle; Peter became the first Pope even after denying Christ three times.

   We are to follow Jesus’ example, forgiving and welcoming all who come to Him.  The parable of the prodigal son is the perfect example of how we are to greet those who wish to come home to God (see Luke, chapter 15).  We are to be as the father who was wronged by his son.  He waited and watched for his son’s return.  When he saw him on the road coming home he ran to greet him and welcome him.

   Soon we will see many in church who we’ve rarely seen there since last Easter or Christmas.  Many will be upset because these “intruders” are in their pew or crowding in beside them.  They should have been there all along but aren’t; now they want to take their favorite seat.

   If we keep in mind how Jesus would have reacted to those strangers coming in we can hopefully welcome them with love and respect.  After all, if Jesus could dine with sinners and forgive those who had sinned shouldn’t we at least be willing to share a seat with those who have come to praise and honor His birth?

   The pews will be crowded but isn’t that a blessing?  How wonderful it would be if those who come for Christmas were to be so impressed with the loving welcome they received that it brought them back to worship Him every week of the year.

   Only by accepting, loving and welcoming others can we be an example of Christ.  We must share the love of God with all who come to Him.  Even if it’s just once or twice a year.

Lord, may we welcome all those come

Just as you did.

May we love them and accept them

Just as you did.

May we show them that Your love is for everyone

Just as you did.

Amen.