Be Like Albert

 April 24, 2020

Be Like Albert

“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”
― Albert Einstein

 

 

So how do you go about speaking to people of different “settings “in life? Would you speak the same to the president as you would a garbage person? How have you found people speaking to you? Have you even noticed? I pray that my contact with you has always been respectful. That is my aim always. I hold each person in high regard and if they give me reason to change my mind, I take great lengths to speak to God about that.

 

Reading Jesus’ actions towards persons does present some bias. I believe he ALWAYS reserved his greatest respect for those who were sick or oppressed, lonely or marginalized. That’s not to say that he didn’t speak respectfully to others, but the powerful were not given deference as is most often the case in most societies.

 “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…” Luke14: 12-13

 

So I ask again, how do you go about addressing others, in different settings of society? I urge you to reserve judgment at all times, while making a great effort to engage the “other” in your lives. This is a part of the “extravagant welcome” preached by the National UCC. In all ways we are being urged to be known as the all welcoming church in our towns and cities. And you know what? I have heard that you truly are the most welcoming church in town. You have taken heed.

 

But you know, sometimes people don’t know what to do with extravagant welcome when they are receiving it! Some can question it, as it is so different from what they have received from churches in their life. Often, churches are cliques and expect the stranger to conform to it. We do expect people to conform to us, but our way is one of reception and openness.

 

We are called to welcome all, to practice inclusiveness and forgiveness, to be a flower in the midst of weeds. Doing so can sometimes feel quite unglamorous. And yet, the one brought into  our midst feels quite differently- they feel as if it is a banquet, sumptuous and warm.

 

Go for it friends. Make others feel like the honored guest- because they are. Someday, it could be Jesus himself. So assume it so.

 

Rev. Ken